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Russian Olive

Elaeagnus angustifolia
$498
  • Out of stock
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Plant Size

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This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

Russian Olive highlights at a glance!

Plant Highlights

  • Botanical Name
    Elaeagnus angustifolia
  • Growing Zones
    2-7
  • Mature Height
    18 - 24 feet
  • Mature Spread
    15 - 25 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Soil
    Widely Adaptable
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Silvery
  • Fall Color
    Yellow to Orange
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Late Spring

Silver Foliage Shimmers

The Russian Olive is often grown as an ornamental shrub for its unique silver foliage. It would be stunning in your yard as a background shrub or accent next to plants of deeper colors.

The silver hues of the Russian Olive are sure to be a focal point in your yard wherever you plant it. Imagine for a moment walking into your summer yard with a silvery-leaved bush amid the common plantings. Nothing will draw your eye like the uncommon color of silver among the trees and flowers.

The secret to the unique appearance of the Russian Olive is the unusual scaly layer that covers the 3-inch long, ½ wide grey-green linear leaves. When kissed by the afternoon sun, those leaves almost seem to sparkle!

Most people value the Russian Olive for the silvery accent, but it also has spring and fall interest. Your Russian Olive will tantalize your senses each year with its succulent spring scent. This spring splendor is brought to you by the abundance of small 4 petalled shaped yellow flowers that cover the branches as it prepares for the fruit that gives it its distinctive name.

The fruit of the Russian Olive is silvery-scaled and a ½ inch olive-like shape. It can be sweet to sweet-tart depending upon the growing conditions, and is delicious eaten raw or made into preserves. Wildlife love it as well, so be sure to time your harvest carefully or they’ll beat you to it.

Russian Olives grow 15-20 feet high with an equal spread. They are a fast-growing shrubby tree with a rounded, if somewhat irregular shape, but easily adapt to pruning if you prefer a particular form. You can let it grow into a large shrub or prune it into a multi or single stemmed small tree.

Your Russian Olive is extremely hardy and tolerant of many conditions, but prefers drier soil, giving you a carefree plant for your landscape.

*Silver Green Foliage

*Fragrant Small Yellow Flowers

Hardy Shrubby Tree

Customer Reviews

Based on 23 reviews
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M
Montana
"Good" Invasive

It's smell is a rite of spring! It offers wildlife shelter and food. Keep control and they are a welcome addition especially in a rural setting.

Hello Montana Jim,

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful insights about the Russian Olive! We absolutely agree that its distinctive scent is a sure sign of spring’s arrival, and it’s wonderful to hear how you appreciate its value in providing shelter and sustenance for wildlife. Your point about keeping it controlled is especially important, as striking that balance helps both the environment and gardeners like yourself enjoy its benefits responsibly.

If you ever want tips on the best management practices or look for native companion plants to enhance your rural landscape, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help you keep your area thriving while maintaining ecological harmony.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Y
Yvone
NOT INVASIVE in a maintained yard. Marvelous fragrance.

NOT INVASIVE in a maintained yard. Marvelous fragrance. Beautiful bark and leaves. Nice size for city lots. Managable by homeowner when the tree is mature.

Hi Yvone,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with the Russian Olive! We’re delighted to hear that its marvelous fragrance, beautiful bark and leaves, and manageable size have been a perfect fit for your maintained yard. It’s great knowing that this tree suits city lots and remains non-invasive when cared for thoughtfully—your insight is so valuable to the Nature Hills community.

If you’re interested in maximizing its beauty and health, be sure to regularly prune any dead or crossing branches and ensure it has well-draining soil with adequate sunlight. Our care guides are always available if you’d like tailored tips or advice on promoting robust growth throughout the seasons.

Thanks again for your kind feedback—wishing you many fragrant and peaceful moments under your Russian Olive’s canopy!

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

G
Granite
Just delighted with the info.

I kept one in a container on our deck for several years. Wish I'd planted it sooner. Our soil is shallow and on top of a clay cap. This tree doesn't seem handicapped by it at all. It's very hot and humid here in eastern North Carolina and we also can have some harsh cold days through winter months. The tree buzzes all day long with bees and hornets in our long summer months. I love this tree.

Hello Granite,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Russian Olive! We’re truly delighted to hear how well it’s thriving in your challenging soil conditions and diverse climate of eastern North Carolina. It’s amazing how adaptable these trees can be—and it sounds like yours has found a happy home on your deck where it also brings buzzing energy from all the bees and hornets during the summer months.

Since you mentioned shallow soil over clay, you might consider adding a layer of mulch around the base of your container to help retain moisture and keep roots cool during those hot, humid days. Also, container-fed trees often benefit from occasional feeding with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer—just something to keep it healthy year after year.

If you ever want to explore more container-friendly trees or shrubs suited for similar tough environments, we’d be happy to help you find the perfect match.

Thanks again for your lovely feedback—it brightens our day to see your Russian Olive thriving so beautifully!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

R
Ross
I grew up planting Russian Olive Trees

I love the Russian Olive tree. I have been planting the trees since I was a kid, with my dad. Love the scent of the flowers, and the silvery leaves. Will only take over if you let it.There is now way it will take over in a residential home setting.

Hi Ross,

Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt connection to Russian Olive trees! It's wonderful to hear about the memories you have planting them with your dad—those family experiences truly make gardening even more special. We appreciate your insight about the tree’s behavior in a residential setting; it’s great to know that keeping it in check is manageable with the right care.

If you ever want to explore tips on pruning or maintaining your Russian Olive to enhance its charming silvery leaves and fragrant flowers, feel free to reach out. We're always happy to provide guidance or resources to help your trees thrive beautifully in your home landscape.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

F
Frogluvr
Love mine

I have one Russian Olive tree, it has not taken over. We live where the dirt is poor and we have lots of wind. I excited to be able to purchase some more!

Hello Frogluvr,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with your Russian Olive tree! We're delighted to hear it’s thriving despite the challenging conditions with poor soil and wind—that tree is tougher than it looks, and it sounds like you’re being a fantastic gardener nurturing it. Adding more Russian Olives sounds like a great idea; they’re excellent for difficult sites and can provide screening, shade, and even soil stabilization.

If you’re planning to plant more, consider amending the soil slightly with some organic matter to give your new trees an even better start, and mulching around the base can help retain moisture against the wind. You might also enjoy checking out our planting guide on Russian Olive care, which offers tailored tips to help ensure healthy growth in various climates.

Thanks again for your lovely feedback, and happy planting on the expansion of your Russian Olive grove!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Russian Olive

From $498

Growing Zones

2-7

Mature Height

18 - 24 feet

Mature Spread

15 - 25 feet

Sun

Full Sun

Foliage Color

N/A

Fall Color

Yellow to Orange

Flower Color

Silvery
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