Oleaster (Russian olive) Elaeagnus angustifolia
Oleaster (Russian olive) (Elaeagnus angustifolia) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Elaeagnaceae family, native to Southern Europe to Central Asia. It grows 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall and 4–7 m (13–23 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 5 m (16 ft) apart.
Plan Oleaster (Russian olive) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Oleaster (Russian olive) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Mature height | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Spacing | 5 m (16 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–9 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 44 °C (111 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | High |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: mealy dried fruit (senjed) |
| Native to | Southern Europe to Central Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇨🇳 China, 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Invasive in | western United States and Canada: check local rules before planting |
Is Oleaster (Russian olive) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: thorns
Some branches are thorny.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Oleaster (Russian olive)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Oleaster (Russian olive)
- How far apart should I plant Oleaster (Russian olive)?
- About 5 m (16 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–7 m (13–23 ft).
- Does Oleaster (Russian olive) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Oleaster (Russian olive) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Oleaster (Russian olive)?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Oleaster (Russian olive) flower?
- From about May for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Oleaster (Russian olive) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Some branches are thorny.
- What grows well with Oleaster (Russian olive)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Oleaster (Russian olive). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
Notes and assumptions
- Silver willow-like leaves and strongly scented small flowers; dried fruit is one of the seven items of the Persian Nowruz haft-sin table.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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