Russian olive tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Eléagnus angustifolia or Bohemian olive tree is a small decorative tree that we appreciate for its Mediterranean style, the scent of its flowers, and its resistance to cold and drought, even if it does not produce olives!

The Bohemian olive tree is not an olive tree, but...

The Bohemian olive tree, Elaeagnus angustifolia, is an atypical small tree (around 7 meters). Gray bark which exfoliates over time, shaggy habit, spreading branches and thorny and drooping twigs, it is covered with oblong to lanceolate leaves, green in color and whose underside is covered with silvery scales. These give them a very decorative metallic appearance. Although deciduous, this very particular foliage reminds us of that of Olea europaea, the olive tree.

Fruits, too: the same shape and size as the olive! But even if they are edible, the comparison ends there. They mature around the end of August and their skin color varies from yellow to reddish brown. Very rich in vitamins, their mealy texture generally relegates them to the feast of garden birds.

The flowering of the Bohemian olive tree will perhaps seduce you even more: between May and June, numerous small tubular, lemon-yellow flowers spread their honey scent. The flowers of the Bohemian olive tree are, moreover, very honey-producing.

Please note: the Bohemian olive tree belongs to the Eleagnacaceae family, like sea buckthorn.

The cultivation of the Bohemian olive tree

The Bohemian olive tree is a tree that tolerates cold as well as heat and drought. It is grown in the sun (light shade tolerated), in any soil but light and drained, because it fears excess water which has the effect of suffocating its roots.

Bonus: it is tolerant of sea spray and saline soils: perfect by the sea! (where it combines well with tamarisk, whose pink color of flowers harmonizes perfectly with the silver foliage of Elaeagnus angustifolia).

The Bohemian olive tree develops naturally into a cluster. If you maintain its natural shape, pruning is not necessary (just maintenance pruning, after flowering). On the other hand, its propensity to naturally emit shoots on the trunk and roots makes management on the stem a little tricky. In addition, its tracing roots are shallow. Also driving on a rod can make the tree unstable.

Uses of the Bohemian olive tree

In summer, we appreciate the shade of the Bohemian olive tree. And its resemblance to the olive tree gives a Mediterranean side to the garden. However, you should know that its regular production of suckers can sometimes bother neighboring plants when placed in a flower bed. Prefer it as an isolated subject, or used in a small grove or hedge. Bonus: its tracing roots can be used to fix unstable soils.