Russian Olive Tree Alternatives | Nature Hills

With soft sage green foliage and fine texture, the Russian Olive Tree is commonly seen growing along roadside and highway ditches. These scrubby-looking, wild trees may not look the greatest in these areas, but a cared-for Russian Olive in the landscape is something to behold!

So why can’t you find a Russian Olive for sale in a tree nursery?

Russian Olive Tree Alternatives For Your Landscape!
Non-Invasive Alternatives

The Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a deciduous tree native to Europe and Asia, and unfortunately, it has found its way here and become invasive in many areas. Growing. That is why you will not see them sold in stores.

Introduced in the early 1900s as a windbreak tree that stabilized soil along riverbanks (its favorite environment) and provided habitat for wildlife, unfortunately, the Russian Olive escaped cultivation and is invasive throughout California and 16 other states. Outcompeting and choking out native trees and plants.

So what can you plant instead?

Russian Olive Tree Alternatives For Your Landscape!

Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 3 to 7, here are some cold-climate and warm-growing zone options for the Russian Olive.

1. Serviceberry/Juneberry Trees

The Amelanchier tree or shrub goes by many names, like Common Serviceberry, Downy Serviceberry, Juneberry, Saskatoon Serviceberry, Shadblow, Shadbush, and Sugarplum, but this hardy native with small soft-green foliage and brilliant fall color creates an open and airy tree or shrub that thrives in a wide range of climates and growing conditions. The white flowers feed bees and become fat, juicy, edible purple berries, resembling blueberries! Make syrups and jam from the fruit, or let your songbirds eat them instead. Try a large-scale Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry, or the Cole's Select for incredible three-season beauty.

Smaller White-Flowering Shade & Street Tree
Wide Range of Heights & Widths
Edible Fruit For Humans & Wildlife
Incredible Fall Color
Open, Airy Canopy

2. Amur Chokecherry Tree

Nicknamed the Manchurian Cherry, the Amur Chokeberry (Prunus) is a fantastic edible ornamental that has four seasons of visual interest. This mid-sized tree delivers a symmetrical look but has an open and airy feeling that works well in naturalized landscapes. You'll welcome spring with a wonderful, fragrant flower display of drooping clusters. Delicate 3-inch racemes of pristine, white blossoms herald the new season. Those pretty, white flowers transition to small, red drupes that transition to black as they ripen in July. They are edible and - with sugar - can be used in tasty jams and jellies.

Leaves Turn Yellow in Fall & Drop Cleanly for Easy Fall Clean-up
Mature Height 20 - 30 feet
Mature Spread 25 - 30 feet
Decorative Bark With Year-Round Interest
Great Pollinator & Wildlife Tree
Fragrant, White Spring Flowers
Growing Zones 2 - 6
Use the Berries to Craft Jam or Jelly

3. White Fringe Tree

Known as the Old Man's Beard and many other regional names, the White Fringe Tree (Chionanthus) features unusual streamer-like white spring flower clusters that become purple grape-like fruit (on female trees) that birds love! The lacy, fine texture and open canopy complement any landscape in both sun and partial sun locations. They’ll even handle full shade in hotter climates of USDA zones 4 to 9.

Unique Fringed Streamer-Like Flowers
Open & Airy Canopy
Purple Fruit In Fall On Female Trees
Mature Height 15 - 20 feet
Mature Spread 10 - 15 feet
Can Handle Moist to Average Conditions

4. Japanese Snowbell Trees & Shrubs

The small foliage and smooth grey bark that fissures as it matures, the Japanese Snowbell is densely packed with elliptical, deep green, and glossy foliage all growing season long! Plus, you and your pollinators will benefit from the abundant white, pendulous flowers that become flashes of red berries for birds in the fall! As this deciduous tree ages, its bark starts to exfoliate and reveal mottled orange streaks beneath the gray outer surface.

Smaller White-Flowering Shade & Street Tree
Mature Height 15 - 20 Feet
Mature Spread 6 - 9 Feet
Yellow-Green Tulip-Like Early-Spring Flowers
Great Fall Color & Textured Bark For Winter Interest
Pollinator/Bird-Friendly

5. Real Olive Trees

Fruiting Olive Trees are the natural choice in warm regions as alternatives to Russian Olives. But with the bonus of edible fruit. Olive Trees are best in warm growing zones of 7 to 10 and have all the perks and benefits of the Russian Olive without any invasive tendencies. However, these trees prefer more arid, Mediterranean conditions instead of moist, riparian sites.

Open Light Shade Canopy
Sage-Green Fine-Textured Foliage
Drought/Xeric Loving
Airy Flowers For Bees
Edible Fruit For Preserving & Brining

Honorable Mentions

For a smaller option with silvery foliage reminiscent of the Russian Olive, the Silver Buffaloberry is an 8-12 foot tall bush or multi-trunked tree form, that also has the added benefit of vibrant red berries for birds! It offers unique silver foliage, is extremely drought-tolerant, and spreads wide without getting too tall!

Another option is the native Nannyberry Viburnum bush, you don't have to work hard for its priceless rewards - including shockingly bright fall foliage, cherry-red bird-friendly berries finish ripening to blue-black, and profusions of pure white blooms for pollinators. Growing 18 - 20 feet in height and spreading 6 - 10 feet, this incredibly cold-hardy shrub can be trimmed into a multi-trunked tree form for a more formal look!

Non-Invasive Alternatives

The Russian Olive tree may have cemented its presence along American roadsides and ditches, but finding alternatives that aren’t invasive is easy!

Nature Hills employs Plant Sentry™ to ensure we adhere to all State and Federal Agricultural Laws and not ship this Tree into areas where it will be any kind of an issue!

Find these fantastic alternatives and many more Unique Trees at Nature Hills Nursery today!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are russian olives edible?

Russian olive trees do produce small, dry, mealy fruits that are technically edible but generally considered unpalatable due to their astringent taste and poor texture. While not toxic, the fruit lacks the quality and flavor of truly edible landscape alternatives. Consider planting native serviceberry trees instead, which produce delicious blueberry-like fruits perfect for jams and syrups while supporting local wildlife in USDA zones 3-7.

Can olive trees grow in canada?

Russian Olive trees can grow in Canada's USDA zones 3-7, but they are invasive and should not be planted. True olive trees (Olea europaea) cannot survive Canadian winters and are only suitable for Mediterranean climates in zones 9-11. Instead of Russian Olive, plant native Serviceberry trees which thrive in zones 3-7 and provide similar silvery foliage plus edible berries. Choose varieties like Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry for a non-invasive alternative that supports local wildlife.

Do olive trees have invasive roots?

Russian Olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia) are invasive plants, not true olive trees, and spread aggressively through both root suckers and seeds dispersed by birds. These trees have become invasive across California and 16 other states, outcompeting native vegetation along waterways and disturbed soils. True olive trees (Olea europaea) grown for fruit production have non-invasive root systems that typically extend 4-7 feet from the trunk. Choose native alternatives like Serviceberry trees in zones 3-7 for similar silver-green foliage without the invasive concerns.

What are the best native alternatives to Russian olive trees for drought-tolerant landscapes?

For drought-tolerant landscapes, excellent native alternatives to Russian olive include American plum (Prunus americana) in zones 3-8, which reaches 15-25 feet and offers spring blooms plus wildlife-friendly fruit. Western sand cherry (Prunus pumila) works well in zones 2-6, staying compact at 6-10 feet with white flowers in May. In southwestern regions, desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) thrives in zones 7-9, growing 15-40 feet with orchid-like blooms from spring through fall. Choose species native to your specific region and plant in fall or early spring for best establishment.

How do I plant silver buffaloberry as a replacement for Russian olive?

Plant silver buffaloberry in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil during early spring or fall in zones 2-7. Space plants 6-8 feet apart and dig holes twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the container height. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture the first growing season while the root system establishes. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

In which USDA hardiness zones can chokecherry thrive as a Russian olive substitute?

Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-7, making it an excellent cold-hardy substitute for Russian olive in northern climates. This native shrub tolerates temperatures down to -40°F and adapts well to various soil conditions, from sandy to clay. Chokecherry grows 6-20 feet tall and produces fragrant white flower clusters in May, followed by dark purple berries that attract wildlife. Plant in full sun to partial shade during spring or fall for best establishment.

When is the best time to plant hawthorn trees instead of Russian olive?

The best time to plant hawthorn trees is in early spring after the last hard frost or in fall 6-8 weeks before your first expected freeze date. In zones 4-8 where Russian olive typically grows, this means March through May or September through October, depending on your location. Fall planting is often preferred as it allows roots to establish during cool weather before summer stress. Check your local frost dates and plant when soil is workable but not waterlogged for best establishment.

Does silver buffaloberry form thickets like Russian olive, and how do I manage it?

Yes, silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) can form thickets through root suckers, but it's much less aggressive than Russian olive and stays more manageable in zones 2-7. The shrub typically reaches 6-12 feet tall and spreads slowly, making it easier to control than invasive alternatives. Remove unwanted suckers in late winter or early spring by cutting them at ground level and applying herbicide to fresh cuts if needed. Plant it where you can accommodate some natural spreading, or choose container plants to limit root expansion.

What soil types are ideal for green ash as a non-invasive Russian olive alternative?

Green ash thrives in a wide range of soil conditions, making it extremely adaptable as a Russian olive replacement in zones 3-9. It performs best in moist, well-drained soils but tolerates clay, sandy, and even periodically wet conditions with soil pH ranging from 6.0 to 8.0. The tree handles both drought and flooding once established, typically within 2-3 years of planting. Plant in spring after last frost or early fall, ensuring the root flare sits at ground level for optimal establishment.

How do I care for Rocky Mountain juniper when replacing Russian olive in my yard?

Rocky Mountain juniper thrives in zones 3-7 and requires full sun with well-draining soil, making it an excellent drought-tolerant replacement for invasive Russian olive. Plant in spring or fall, spacing trees 8-12 feet apart to accommodate their mature width of 3-15 feet depending on variety. Water deeply but infrequently once established, and avoid overwatering as junipers are highly susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions. Choose a cultivar like 'Skyrocket' for narrow spaces or 'Wichita Blue' for broader coverage based on your specific landscape needs.

What Tree to Plant Instead of Russian Olive Trees!