Russian Olive

Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Ultra-Tough Silver Foliage Tree for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7)

Quick Expert Summary

The Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a fast-growing, extremely cold-hardy tree ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year (30–60 cm) and reaches 33–36 ft (10–11 m) at maturity. Best for windbreaks, urban planting, and low-maintenance landscapes, it offers distinctive silver foliage and exceptional tolerance to drought, poor soils, and urban stress.

Why Choose Russian Olive for Ontario and Eastern Canada?

A highly resilient tree perfect for harsh environments, combining ornamental silver foliage with unmatched tolerance to poor soils and urban conditions.

• Hardiness: Zone 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7)
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Best For: Windbreak, ornament, urban planting
• Maintenance: Low once established
• Key Feature: Silvery foliage and fragrant flowers
• Native / Non-native: Native to Eurasia, widely planted in North America

It adapts well to:

• Poor, dry, and saline soils
• Sandy and loamy soils
• Neutral to alkaline soils
• Urban and rural conditions
• Wind, drought, pollution, and salt exposure

Tree Specifications

Is Russian Olive Right for Your Yard?

Choose Russian Olive if:

• You want fast structure in difficult growing conditions
• You have a medium to large yard
• You live in Zones 2–7
• You want unique silver foliage + drought tolerance
• You need a tree for windbreak or urban planting

Not ideal if:

• Your yard is very small
• You prefer native-only plantings
• You are planting in consistently wet or poorly drained soils

Best Uses

• Windbreaks
• Urban street or roadside planting
• Ornamental accent tree
• Dry or poor soil landscapes
• Shelterbelts

Why it works: Strong tolerance to drought, salt, and poor soils combined with reflective silver foliage makes it ideal for challenging environments.

What Makes Russian Olive Special?

A standout tree known for its unique appearance and extreme resilience.

• Spring: Fragrant yellow flowers
• Summer: Silvery foliage creates a bright, reflective canopy
• Fall: Subtle yellow tones and small fruit
• Winter: Interesting branching and silvery twigs

Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada

Yes, Russian Olive is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7 and tolerates harsh winters, wind, and freezing temperatures.

First-year tip:

• Add 2–3 inches of mulch
• Water deeply before the first hard frost
• Minimal protection needed due to high resilience

Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada

Best planting time:

• Spring (April–June)
• Early fall (September–October)

Spacing:

• 12–18 ft from foundations
• 12–18 ft between trees

Watering (first year):

• Water deeply every 7–10 days during establishment
• Reduce watering as the tree becomes established

Quick Answers (FAQ)

How fast does Russian Olive grow in Ontario?
Typically 1–2 ft per year in good conditions.

Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 2 and performs well in Zones 2–7.

Does it need another tree for pollination?
No—self-fertile.

Are the roots invasive?
No, roots are generally manageable and non-invasive.

Is it messy?
Low to moderate—small fruits may drop but are not highly problematic.

Compare With Similar Trees

Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces

• Nursery-grown
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• Best Trees for Difficult Soils
• Drought-Resistant Landscaping in Canada