Russian Olive vs White Birch (Paper Birch) - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs White Birch (Paper Birch)

Elaeagnus angustifolia

Betula papyrifera

Russian Olive
White Birch (Paper Birch)

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.

White Birch is a large, attractive deciduous tree. This fast-growing, cold hardy species has distinctive white papery bark that peels in layers, making it a beautiful ornamental or accent tree. White Birch also makes great firewood.

Russian Olive Quick Facts

White Birch (Paper Birch) Quick Facts

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Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Height: 18 m (60 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 11 m (35 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes
Flowers: yellow
Bark: white, papery, peeling
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive
Other Names: american white birch, canoe birch, paper birch