Olea europaea
Olive, Edible Olive
Description
This broad tree will slowly grow to 20'-30' tall and wide. It has small, grey-green, evergreen leaves. Small white fragrant flowers bloom in spring, followed by fleshy black fruit that appears in fall. Fruit is messy and can stain sidewalks. There are cultivars that do not produce fruit. Some folks are allergic to the blooms. This tree is very long lived, with a beautiful gnarled trunk. It prefers full sun and low watering in summer months (twice a month) and none during the winter, when established.
Plant Type
Tree
Height Range
12-25', 25-40'
Flower Color
White
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
Grey Green
Bark Color
Grey
Fruit Color
Black
Fruit Season
Fall
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Allergenic, Messy
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Lawn, Patio, Park
Special Uses
Shade Tree
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Group plants with similar watering needs in the same area.