Olive Olea europaea (F)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the olive tree is characterized by its short trunk and a profusion of branches that create a dense and rounded crown. The bark of the trunk is typically gnarly and gray in color, giving it an aged and weathered appearance. The leaves of the olive tree are slender, measuring just a few inches in length, and they possess a silvery-green hue that contributes to the plant's distinctive look. Olive trees bear small, white flowers that tend to be hidden by the foliage, and these blossoms are known for their subtle, sweet fragrance. The most prominent feature of the olive tree is its fruit—the olives—which start out as green in color and gradually ripen to a dark purple or even black shade. The olives themselves are small, not much bigger than a marble, and have a central pit surrounded by the fleshy fruit that is commonly used in cooking and pressed to produce olive oil. The overall appearance of the olive tree is one of rustic charm and has been celebrated in many cultures for its beauty and utility.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oleaceae
Synonyms
Olive, European Olive, Common Olive
Common names
Olea europaea var. sylvestris (Mill.) Lehr., Olea oleaster Hoffmanns. & Link, Olea sativa Hoffmanns. & Link, Olea sylvestris Mill.
ToxicityTo humans
Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is not considered toxic to humans. In fact, its fruit, olives, and olive oil are widely consumed around the world and are appreciated for their nutritional benefits. However, the unprocessed fruit contains substances like oleuropein, which can be bitter and may cause stomach irritation if eaten in large quantities before proper curing.
To pets
The olive tree, or Olea europaea, is generally regarded as safe for pets as well. The ASPCA lists olive trees as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Even so, if a pet consumes a large amount of olive leaves or unprocessed olives, they might experience mild stomach upset due to the natural compounds present in the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
Spread
15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
8-11
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: Olea europaea produces olives, which are a staple ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and used in various dishes and salads.
- Oil Production: The olives are pressed to extract olive oil, a healthy fat that is a key component of the Mediterranean diet and widely used in cooking, baking, and dressings.
- Cultural Significance: The olive tree holds significant cultural importance in many societies, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
- Drought Resistance: Olive trees are highly drought-resistant, making them suitable for arid climates and water-scarce regions.
- Landscape Use: Due to its attractive foliage and structure, the tree is often used in landscaping and garden design as a specimen tree or for screening.
- Longevity: Olive trees are known for their incredible lifespan, with some living for hundreds, or even thousands, of years, providing a long-lasting presence in any setting.
- Wood Uses: The wood of the olive tree is hard and durable, used in woodcrafts and for making furniture or utensils.
- Shade Provider: With its dense foliage, the olive tree offers a generous shade, creating cool areas in gardens and parks.
- Habitat for Wildlife: Olive trees can act as a habitat and food source for various birds and insects.
Medical Properties- Cardiovascular health: Olive oil, extracted from the fruit of Olea europaea, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which may help improve heart health by regulating cholesterol levels and reducing oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory effects: Phenolic compounds found in olive leaves and oil have anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions.
- Antimicrobial activity: Compounds in both olive leaf and oil exhibit antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, potentially aiding in the management of infections.
- Antioxidant effects: Olive oil contains antioxidants like vitamin E, polyphenols, and flavonoids that help protect the body from oxidative damage linked to chronic diseases.
- Diabetes control: Olea europaea may help improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar levels, which is beneficial in managing diabetes.
- Cancer prevention: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in olives and olive oil might contribute to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer due to their ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Neuroprotective properties: Olive polyphenols may help protect neural tissues against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, potentially due to their oxidative stress-reducing effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Olive leaves can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a range of green and yellow hues depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of the olive tree is valued for its durability and is often used to manufacture fine furniture and decorative items.
- Olive oil, while widely known for its culinary uses, is also used in soap making, providing a moisturizing effect to handmade soaps.
- Olives are sometimes used in the production of cosmetics, such as face creams and body lotions, for their hydrating properties.
- Dried olive leaves can be used in flower arrangements or as decorative elements in crafts due to their silvery-green color and unique texture.
- Crushed olive pits are used as a natural abrasive in exfoliating products like scrubs and soaps.
- The smoke from burning olive wood is valued for its pleasant aroma and is sometimes used in food smoking to impart a distinct flavor.
- Due to its unique and attractive grain patterns, olive wood is also commonly used to create musical instruments like guitars and violins.
- Olive oil can be used as a lubricant for machinery and tools, proving to be a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based oils.
- The sap of the olive tree can be processed and used in the production of organic adhesives.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Olive Tree is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Olive Tree is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Peace - The olive branch has been a symbol of peace since ancient times, famously used in the story of Noah's Ark to signal the end of the flood.
- Wisdom - In Greek mythology, the olive tree is associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy.
- Fertility - Olive trees are known for their longevity and productivity, bearing fruit for many years, thus symbolizing fertility and abundance.
- Glory and Power - Ancient Olympians were crowned with olive wreaths, symbolizing victory and high achievement.
- Purity - Olive oil was historically used in sacred rituals, and the tree itself is often associated with purity and the spiritual world.
WaterThe olive tree, commonly known as the olive, prefers to be watered deeply but infrequently. On average, the olive requires watering once every two weeks, but this frequency should be adjusted according to the climate and soil moisture—less often in cool, wet conditions and more often in hot, dry climates. Use approximately 2-3 gallons of water for younger trees, increasing the amount as the tree grows. During the growing season, ensure that the soil is dry a few inches below the surface before watering again. In the winter, reduce watering to minimal, only providing water to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightOlive trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best spot for an olive tree is in a southern exposure where it receives ample sunlight throughout the day. They are adaptable to a variety of light conditions but will be most productive and healthy with strong, direct light.
TemperatureOlive trees are suited to a range of temperatures and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but they thrive at an ideal temperature range between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive brief periods of colder weather, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill the tree.
PruningOlive trees are pruned to maintain health, shape, and to increase air circulation which helps to reduce the risk of disease. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before flowering but after the risk of frost has passed. Young olive trees should be pruned lightly to encourage a strong structure, while mature trees require heavier pruning every couple of years to rejuvenate growth and prevent overproduction which can lead to alternate bearing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilOlive trees thrive in well-drained, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. A good mix for olive trees might include equal parts potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. This mix helps prevent waterlogging, which olives do not tolerate well.
RepottingOlive trees (olive) grown in containers should generally be repotted every two to three years, or when they become root-bound. Young, faster-growing trees may require more frequent repotting.
Humidity & MistingOlive trees prefer dry air and do not require high humidity levels. They are well-suited to the typical indoor humidity levels but will benefit from good airflow.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place olive in a sunny spot, water when soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant olive in full sun, well-drained soil, and shelter from cold.
Hardiness zone
8-11 USDA
Life cycleThe common olive tree (Olea europaea) begins its life cycle as a seed, often dispersed by birds or other animals after eating the fruit. Once the seed germinates in favorable conditions—well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight—it establishes roots and develops into a seedling. Over several years, the seedling matures into a juvenile tree, characterized by a substantial increase in height and the beginning development of a sturdy trunk. The olive tree reaches reproductive maturity around 3-12 years of age, when it starts producing small white flowers which, if pollinated, develop into olive fruits. The adult olive tree can continue to produce fruit for hundreds of years, with some trees living over a thousand years. Throughout its life, the olive tree undergoes cyclical processes of flowering, fruiting, and dormancy, with the majority of growth occurring in the spring and summer months.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is most frequently propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method typically occurs during late summer. The chosen cuttings are generally pieces of the olive tree's branches that are about 1/4 to 1/2 inches (6 to 12 mm) in diameter and 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. These cuttings are taken from healthy, disease-free plants and include several nodes. They are treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development before being planted in a well-draining growing medium. The cuttings require warm temperatures and consistent moisture until they have rooted sufficiently to be transplanted. This simple and effective technique maintains the original cultivar's characteristics and is especially useful for commercial olive production.
