Genus: Olea

Common Names: various (includes olive trees, O. europaea)

Description coming soon.

Distribution: Africa, Southern Eurasia, parts of Australia

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Arbequina'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a self-fertile cultivar from Spain that will grow upward of 15 ft. The fruit is a glossy black when ripe and is relatively small but rather meaty due to relatively small pits. Hardy to 10 F or lower after 3 years; in severe winters it can defoliate completely but will often resprout vigorously from the base in early summer.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Ascolana Tenera'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; an heirloom Italian cultivar with large, tender olives. A popular table olive in Italy and the preferred type for the stuffed and battered antipasto "olive all’ascolana". Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water..

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Bouteillan'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a self-fertile French cultivar from Provence with large burgundy olives that are primarily used for oil production. Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Empeltre'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a self-fertile Spanish cultivar that yields medium-sized black fruits used for oil and as table olives. Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Frantoio'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a fast growing Tuscan cultivar that will reach around 20 ft. in 10 years time. It is self-fertile and a heavy fruiter of moderate sized olives which are prized for their oil and make a tasty table olive. Hardy to 10 F or lower after 3 years. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Leccino'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a fast growing Italian cultivar thought to have originated in Tuscany. One of the most commonly used olives in Italian olive oils. Not self-fertile, and will need another cultivar planted nearby to yield fruit.

Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time and forms a dense canopy with semi-weeping branches. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Koroneiki'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a self-fertile Greek cultivar that originated in Crete. High yielding and primarily used for oil production. Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.

Olea europaea var. europaea 'Sevillano'

Common name(s): olive tree

Description: evergreen tree; a self-fertile Spanish cultivar with large blue-black fruits. Olives are comercially known as "Spanish queen" and are popular as a table olive, often stuffed, and in martinis. Grows to around 15 ft. in 10 years time. Tolerant of drought but will yield more fruit with consistent summer water.

Height: to 20 ft. Spread: to 15 ft.