Fruitless Olive; Wilson's Olive

What is Wilson Olive Tree?

Olea europaea 'Wilsonii', commonly called Wilson Olive Tree, is a fruitless evergreen tree specially developed for landscape use. This selection originates from Mediterranean basin olive cultivars but produces no fruit, eliminating the maintenance and mess associated with traditional olive trees. Wilson Olive grows 25 to 30 feet tall with classic Mediterranean form, silvery gray bark, and gray green foliage, making it ideal for water conscious landscapes, urban settings, and modern xeriscapes.
How big does Wilson Olive Tree grow?

Wilson Olive Tree reaches a mature height of 25 to 30 feet with a spread of 20 to 25 feet. The tree develops a rounded crown with naturally elegant branching structure. The gnarled trunk becomes more visually striking as the tree matures over many years. Landscape architects can space trees 20 to 25 feet apart for canopy separation or 15 to 18 feet apart for denser screening effects. The moderate to slow growth rate means trees take 10 to 15 years to reach mature size.

Does Wilson Olive Tree produce fruit?

No, Wilson Olive Tree is a fruitless or sterile selection that does not produce olives. This characteristic makes it highly desirable for landscape applications where fruit drop creates maintenance problems, stains hardscapes, or attracts unwanted wildlife. The lack of fruit eliminates the mess and cleanup associated with fruiting olive trees while maintaining the iconic Mediterranean appearance. This fruitless nature makes Wilson Olive particularly suitable for patios, pool areas, walkways, and urban landscapes.

What do Wilson Olive flowers look like?

Wilson Olive Tree produces small, inconspicuous yellowish white flowers in spring, typically from March through May. The tiny flowers appear in clusters along the branches but remain subtle and do not dominate the tree's appearance. While these flowers add slight ornamental value, they do not develop into fruit due to the tree's sterile nature. The spring blooms may attract small local pollinators but are not considered a major floral display feature.

What are the foliage characteristics of Wilson Olive?

Wilson Olive features narrow, leathery evergreen leaves that measure 1 to 3 inches long and 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide. The top surface displays gray green to deep green coloring while the undersides show silvery white, creating a shimmering two tone effect when leaves move in breezes. The foliage provides year round color and texture. The combination of green upper surfaces and silver undersides creates classic Mediterranean character in the landscape.

How much sun does Wilson Olive Tree need?

Wilson Olive Tree requires full sun exposure, meaning at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The tree performs best in locations receiving all day sun. Full sun promotes healthy growth, dense canopy development, and maintains the tree's characteristic form. Wilson Olive tolerates intense heat, reflected light from hardscapes, and hot south or west facing exposures. Insufficient sunlight results in weak growth, sparse foliage, and poor tree structure.

What are the water requirements for Wilson Olive Tree?

Once established, Wilson Olive Tree demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance and requires minimal supplemental irrigation. During the establishment phase, which lasts 1 to 2 years, provide deep watering every 7 to 14 days. Established trees survive on natural rainfall in most regions and only benefit from occasional deep watering during extreme drought periods exceeding 8 to 12 weeks. Deep, infrequent watering promotes strong root development. Overwatering can lead to root diseases and poor tree health. This low water requirement makes Wilson Olive excellent for water conservation landscapes and properties with irrigation restrictions.

What soil conditions does Wilson Olive prefer?

Wilson Olive grows best in well drained soil and adapts to various soil types including sandy loam, loamy soil, rocky soil, and clay loam as long as drainage is adequate. The tree tolerates slightly acidic to alkaline soil with pH levels between 6.0 and 8.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot and other fungal diseases. Wilson Olive adapts to poor soil and low fertility conditions. The tree does not require rich organic soil or regular amendments. Wilson Olive also tolerates urban pollutants and compacted soil better than many landscape trees.

How fast does Wilson Olive Tree grow?

Wilson Olive Tree exhibits a moderate to slow growth rate, typically adding 12 to 24 inches of growth per year under optimal conditions. Young trees grow slightly faster during establishment, then slow as they mature. The measured growth rate allows landscape architects to plan long term designs without concerns about trees outgrowing their intended space quickly. The slow growth contributes to the tree's structural strength and longevity.

Does Wilson Olive attract wildlife?

Wilson Olive provides shelter and nesting sites for small birds and insects within its dense canopy. The fruitless nature means the tree does not attract fruit feeding birds or create feeding activity that might be undesirable in urban settings. The subtle spring flowers may support small local pollinators including bees. The tree offers modest ecological benefits while maintaining tidiness and low maintenance characteristics important for residential and commercial landscapes.

Is Wilson Olive deer resistant?

Wilson Olive demonstrates good deer resistance once established. Mature trees with woody bark are rarely browsed by deer. Young trees may experience occasional browsing on tender new growth but typically establish successfully even in areas with deer populations. The leathery foliage texture and aromatic compounds deter deer feeding. Wilson Olive serves as a reliable choice for landscapes where deer browsing threatens more vulnerable plants.

What hardiness zones support Wilson Olive Tree?

Wilson Olive grows successfully in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11. The tree tolerates winter temperatures down to 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit once established. In zone 8, some leaf damage or branch dieback may occur during severe cold snaps below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but trees typically recover. Heat tolerance extends through zone 11, where Wilson Olive withstands summer temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. The tree adapts to both dry desert heat and coastal Mediterranean climates.

How do you prune Wilson Olive Tree?

Wilson Olive benefits from occasional pruning to maintain shape, control size, and enhance canopy structure. Perform structural pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches to improve airflow and light penetration. Selective thinning creates a cleaner, more sculpted appearance while maintaining the tree's naturally elegant form. The rounded canopy can become denser with age, so periodic thinning every 2 to 3 years maintains optimal structure. Avoid heavy pruning, which can stress the tree and create unnatural appearance.

What are common problems with Wilson Olive?

Wilson Olive experiences few serious pest or disease problems when grown in appropriate conditions. Verticillium wilt can affect olive trees in poorly drained soil or stressed conditions. Scale insects and olive psyllid occasionally appear but rarely cause significant damage. Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil or with excessive irrigation. Proper siting in full sun with excellent drainage and appropriate minimal watering prevents most problems. Wilson Olive demonstrates strong overall resistance to pests and diseases compared to many landscape trees.

How do you use Wilson Olive Tree in landscape design?

Landscape architects and designers incorporate Wilson Olive as specimen trees, accent plantings, and Mediterranean themed focal points. The tree works effectively lining driveways, pathways, and entryways where its elegant form creates sense of arrival. Use Wilson Olive in courtyards, patios, and pool areas where the fruitless nature eliminates maintenance concerns. The tree suits modern landscapes, traditional Mediterranean gardens, and contemporary xeriscapes. Multiple trees create effective screens or soft hedges when planted 15 to 18 feet apart. Wilson Olive excels in urban landscapes, commercial properties, and residential gardens requiring low maintenance evergreen trees with architectural character.

What plants pair well with Wilson Olive Tree?

Wilson Olive combines effectively with other Mediterranean and drought tolerant plants including rosemary, lavender, santolina, germander, rock rose, and ornamental grasses. The gray green foliage complements purple and blue flowering perennials. Pair with other Mediterranean trees like Italian cypress for vertical contrast or with lower growing shrubs like Texas ranger and salvia for layered plantings. Companion plants with similar low water requirements create cohesive sustainable landscapes. The silvery foliage coordinates well with succulents, agaves, and other architectural plants in modern designs.

Can Wilson Olive grow in containers?

Wilson Olive adapts to large container culture for patios, courtyards, and rooftop gardens, though eventual size requires substantial containers. Use containers at least 36 to 48 inches in diameter with excellent drainage. Fill with well drained potting mix. Container grown trees require more frequent watering than in ground specimens but still demonstrate good drought tolerance between waterings. Regular root pruning every 3 to 5 years maintains trees in containers long term. Container cultivation works best for younger specimens, as mature trees become too large for practical container management.

Why choose Wilson Olive for sustainable landscapes?

Wilson Olive offers multiple sustainability benefits. The minimal water requirements reduce irrigation demands by 70 to 85 percent compared to traditional landscape trees. Evergreen foliage provides year round interest without seasonal replanting. The fruitless nature eliminates waste and cleanup. Minimal fertilizer needs lower chemical inputs. Natural pest resistance reduces pesticide requirements. The tree tolerates urban pollution and challenging conditions. Long lifespan means decades of performance with minimal replacement needs. These characteristics make Wilson Olive ideal for LEED certified projects, water conservation landscapes, and environmentally responsible designs.

What cultural significance does Wilson Olive have?

The olive tree holds profound cultural and symbolic significance across Mediterranean civilizations, representing peace, wisdom, endurance, and prosperity for thousands of years. While Wilson Olive does not produce edible fruit, it embodies this ancient heritage through its timeless form and structure. Incorporating Wilson Olive into landscapes connects modern designs to historical Mediterranean traditions and creates sense of established, enduring beauty. The tree brings Mediterranean spirit and cultural depth to contemporary landscape projects.

Summary for landscape professionals

Olea europaea 'Wilsonii', Wilson Olive Tree, delivers classic Mediterranean elegance without fruit maintenance concerns. This fruitless evergreen grows 25 to 30 feet tall with iconic silvery gray bark, gray green foliage with silver undersides, and naturally elegant form. Wilson Olive demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance, adapts to urban conditions, and thrives in full sun with minimal water. This versatile tree serves landscape architects and designers seeking low maintenance specimen trees, Mediterranean character, and sustainable solutions for residential, commercial, and urban landscape projects across USDA zones 8 through 11.