Skip to content
← Plant Database
Olive

Olive

Olea europaea

tree☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 8aZone 11b

A long-lived evergreen tree prized for its silvery-green foliage and production of olives used for oil and table consumption. Thrives in hot, dry Mediterranean climates with minimal water once established.

Overview

Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
slow
Size
20–30′ tall × 15–30′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 8aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 8a to Zone 11b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Canopy

The tallest trees that form the overstory.

Succession Role

climax

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

ediblewildlife benefitwindbreakerosion controlhedgerowdynamic accumulator

Edible Parts

fruitleaf

Establishment & Care

Establishment
moderate
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
3 years
Propagation
seed, cutting, grafting

Notable Cultivars

'Arbequina' and 'Frantoio' are popular cultivars; 'Arbequina' is compact and self-fertile while 'Frantoio' is vigorous and prized for oil production. 'Manzanillo' is widely grown for table olives.