Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey, White

 

Fruit Color

Blue, Green

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low, Low

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Native Garden, Woodland

 

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Multi-trunk Tree, Silhouette, Specimen

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Foundation, Patio, Walls / Fences

 

Special Uses

Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Wind Break, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Desert Olive is a Utah native, commonly found on streambanks or in areas with a high water table. This deciduous tree or large shrub typically grows 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. It has an upright habit, and is low-branched, so pruning is necessary to maintain a tree-like canopy. The leaves are long, leathery, and dark green, turning yellow in fall. Tiny yellow spring flowers are followed by small, olive-like fruit enjoyed by birds (both a male and female plant are necessary for fruiting). New wood is nearly black, aging to a light gray.

Grow in full sun and well drained soils; adaptive to soil types and pH. It tolerates shearing. Useful as a windbreak, hedge, screen, or small patio tree. Disease and pest free. There are several Desert Olives planted at the Greater Avenues Water Conservation Demonstration Garden.