Russian Olive vs Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)

Acer saccharum

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Russian Olive

Sugar Maple is a large, deciduous tree known for its brilliant fall yellow, orange, and red-orange color display.

This long-lived shade tree features unique "maple"
lobed leaves.

Note: this Zone 4 tree is unlikely to produce commercially viable sap on the prairies.

Russian Olive is a medium-sized deciduous tree that has attractive silvery coloured foliage with small yellow flowers that emit a fragrant sweet smell.

It is drought and salt tolerant, and works well as a shelterbelt species. Russian Olive can also be used to combat erosion.

Note: although Russian Olive is planted as an attractive boulevard tree in many northern areas, in warmer areas it can invade watersheds and is considered invasive. Please do some research and plant the right tree in the right place.

Sugar Maple (Hard Maple) Quick Facts

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $10.99 - SAVE UP TO 31%
Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 4a
Zone: 2a
Height: 20 m (66 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: none


Foliage: silver scales
Flowers: yellow
Fruit: silver-yellow, olive-like
Seeds: winged samara
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Other Names: hard maple, rock maple
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive