Olive Tree Pictures

Olive, European
Olea europaea

Long-lived trees, olives are planted extensively in Arizona and California as ornamentals. When young, they often require staking and regular yearly pruning. The plant is used in western landscapes.


Type of tree:
The European Olive falls into the following type(s): Evergreens, Flowering Trees, Ornamental Trees
Mature Height:
The European Olive grows to be 30' - 40' feet in height.
Mature Spread:
The European Olive has a spread of about 30' - 40' at full maturity.
Growth Rate:
This tree grows at a slow growth rate. 

Sun:
This olive does well in full sun.


Soil:
The European Olive grows in acidic, alkaline, drought tolerant, loamy, moist, sandy, well drained soils.


Moisture:
The European Olive tolerates heat, wind and dry conditions very well.


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Shape:
This olive has rounded, spreading or horizontal shape.
Leaves:
The leaves are green in the summer with little change in the fall.


Flower Color:
The blooms on this tree are white.


Bloom Time:
This tree blooms in the spring..


Fruit Description:
The fruit of this tree is green to black and 1/2" in diameter.


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Additional Information
Attributes:
Once established, this tree can be a fantastic conversation piece or source of olives. Unprocessed olives are inedible, but ripe olives can be pressed for oil.

Description:
Long-lived trees, olives are planted extensively in Arizona and California as ornamentals. When young, they often require staking and regular yearly pruning. The plant is used in western landscapes.

Wildlife Value:
Insects attracted by the European Olive also become food for birds and reptiles. Wildlife seeks the shelter and protection from predators and the elements that the Olive provides, birds also use it for nesting.

History/Lore/Use:
The olive branch is the symbol for peace. This tree dates back nearly 3700 years and its oil is the mainstay of the healthy Mediterranean diet. areas such as Spain, Italy, and Greece