olive
(Olea europaea)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Olea europaea is a perennial tree that can grow from 26.2-49.2 ft. (8-15 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are thick, 1.6 in. (4 cm) long, lanceolate, opposite, leathery, somewhat hairy, and dark green on upper surface and greyish green on lower surface.
Flowers
Flowers are small, yellow to white in color, and clustered in groups of 15-30 flowers. Flowers bloom in early summer.
Fruit
Fruit is a drupe that is ovoid, 0.8-1 in. (2-2.5 cm) long, and green to blackish violet in color. The edible fruit surrounds the dark violet round seed.
Ecological Threat
Olea europaea is being grown as a crop in some states. It has escaped cultivation and can be found in disturbed areas including grasslands, scrublands, and urban areas. Olea europaea is native to Africa, Asia-temperate, and Europe.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Lamiales |
| Family: Oleaceae |
| Genus: Olea |
| Olea europaea |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.