fruitless olive
This plant grows well in the following regions:
- CVCentral Valley
- DTDesert
- NCNorth and Central Coast
- SCSouth Coast
Map of regions (click to enlarge)
Description
These lovely trees resemble the invasive Russian olive but do not spread to wildland areas. The recommended varieties have very much the same characteristics of other true olives (Note: Russian Olive is not a true olive) with the exception that they bear little to no fruit. Trees grow slowly to 25-30 feet tall.
Olive trees do best in deep rich soil but tolerate shallow, rocky, and alkaline soils. Plants prefer areas with long hot summers but may also tolerate areas along the coast.
The variety ‘Little Ollie’ (the smallest) grows to 6-8 ft. tall and wide and can be ideal for a hedge or screen. 'Majestic Beauty' is airy and fluffy looking, making it suitable as specimen or hedge or screen. 'Skylark Dwarf' is a large, multitrunked shrub to 16 ft. tall and wide. 'Swan Hill' has deep green leaves, bears no fruit, and has little or no pollen. 'Wilsonii' occasionally bears a small fruit crop.
Sun needs:
- Full sun
Water needs:
- Low water
- Very low water
More information
- Inland Valley Garden Planner
- Sunset Western Garden Book 2012 edition pg. 460
