Fruitless Olive Tree

Fruitless Olive Tree

Fruitless olive trees are attractive shade trees that can be either single or multi-branched, with eye-catching, twisting, contorted trunks and an airy mass of gray-green leaves with silvery undersides. Native to Europe, they are very similar in appearance to fruiting olive trees (and are in fact a varietal of traditional olive trees), but there are few to no messy fruits produced to litter your yard.

Unique Qualities

The term "fruitless" can be a bit of an overstatement and some homeowners are unpleasantly surprised when they see a handful of tiny olives forming on the branches. Best planted in the spring or fall, the slow-growing fruitless olive trees will bloom each spring with clusters of yellowish-white, tubular flowers.

The flowers themselves are sterile, so few if any fruits are produced, but you may get some small (non-viable) olives that develop from time to time. However, they are minimal and you will not notice them when they have fallen from the tree.

Fruitless olive trees offer a big advantage if you live in an area of the country where fruiting olive trees are banned, either because of the widespread mess created by the falling fruits or the allergy triggered by pollen. The fallen olive fruits will stain driveways, paved areas, and decks, clog drains, and attract unwanted animals as they decompose. Fruitless olive trees spare you from all of these problems, while still maintaining the beauty and Mediterranean flair of true olive trees.

Some other redeeming qualities of fruitless olive trees are: they are extremely drought tolerant, they produce minimal pollen, their roots aid in soil stabilization, reducing erosion, and improving soil health. They can also live up to several hundred years, making them a good choice for a long-term landscaping investment.

Growing Fruitless Olive Trees

• Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.5.
• Water young trees deeply every 1-2 weeks, reducing frequency as the tree matures; established trees need water every 3-4 weeks during dry periods.
• Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Optimal temperature range is 70-100°F (21-38°C), tolerating temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C).
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or crossing branches.
• Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.

Shipping Info

You will receive one well rooted plant. Your plant will be shipped with the roots wrapped in plastic and ready to plant upon arrival. The plant will be between 12” to 14” in height with well-developed roots. These plants have been growing in one gallon containers. Planting guidelines will also be included.