Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Russian Olive vs Laurel Leaf Willow
Elaeagnus angustifolia
Salix pentandra
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.
Laurel Leaf Willow is a round-shaped tree with attractive dark green leaves.
This cold hardy tree can withstand bitter winters and still put on lots of growth every summer. Laurel Leaf Willow prefers moist to wet ground and full sun, though it can tolerate partial shade too. This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.
All willow 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
Laurel Leaf Willow Quick Facts
In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)