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by M. Ritter
GENERAL INFO
This tree is a versatile and attractive choice for urban landscapes. It features slender, gray-green leaves that add a touch of elegance to any setting. Unlike its fruit-bearing relatives, this tree produces little to no fruit, making it low-maintenance and less messy. Its gnarled trunk and branches create a picturesque silhouette, especially when illuminated at night. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it is both drought-tolerant and resistant to pests. This tree is perfect for adding a Mediterranean feel to gardens, patios, or streetscapes.
Native range: MediterraneanHorticultural use: Screen or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has narrow, silvery-green leaves that are perfect for lessons on leaf structure and drought adaptation. Its evergreen foliage provides a year-round opportunity to study photosynthesis. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers that can be used to discuss pollination and plant reproduction. Unlike other varieties, it does not bear fruit, making it a low-maintenance option for school environments. Its gnarled, twisting trunk adds a unique aesthetic that can spark discussions about plant growth and age.
Native range: MediterraneanHorticultural use: Screen or HedgedSchoolyard Use: This tree has narrow, silvery-green leaves that are perfect for lessons on leaf structure and drought adaptation. Its evergreen foliage provides a year-round opportunity to study photosynthesis. The tree produces small, fragrant white flowers that can be used to discuss pollination and plant reproduction. Unlike other varieties, it does not bear fruit, making it a low-maintenance option for school environments. Its gnarled, twisting trunk adds a unique aesthetic that can spark discussions about plant growth and age.
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Rounded or VaseFoliage Type: EvergreenMaximum Tree Height: 30 feetCanopy Width: 25-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Opposite, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvateLeaf color: Bluish Green or Silver or Gray GreenFlowers: InconspicuousFlower Type: Has male and female reproductive parts in each flower (perfect)Flower Time: SpringBark Color: Light Gray, Scaly
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Schoolyard Trees: YesWater Use Rating: LowSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 9, 11 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 8, 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: StrongRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: No known hazardsWildlife interactions: Attracts birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Anthracnose, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and Scales, PsyllidDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Texas Root Rot, Armillaria, Root Rot*Utility Friendly: No
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Olea europaea 'Swan Hill' Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 10, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/973 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/973 >
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