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Russian Olive vs Acute Willow
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Salix acutifolia
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.
Acute Willow is a very fast growing small tree that can reach growth rates of up to 6 feet per year. It's a great choice for developing a quick, hardy shelterbelt, windbreak, or privacy screen.
Acute Willow will grow multi-stemmed but can be pruned to a single stem for a smaller footprint. It prefers moist areas and requires almost no maintenance.
Willows are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.
Russian Olive Quick Facts
Acute Willow Quick Facts
In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
In row spacing: 2.4 m (8 ft)