Olea europaea ‘Arbequina’

Arbequina Olive | Non-Native

Light: Full Sun
Water: Low to Moderate once established
Size: Can reach 15–20+ ft. tall with age; can be maintained smaller with pruning
Fruit: Small olives that ripen from green to dark purple-black
Type: Evergreen fruiting tree
Native Status: Non-native, cultivar originating in Spain
Garden Value: Silvery evergreen foliage, edible fruit, heat and drought tolerance

A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home

‘Arbequina’ Olive is a beautiful evergreen tree prized for its graceful form, silvery gray-green foliage, and small, flavorful olives. Originally from Spain, ‘Arbequina’ is one of the most popular olive varieties grown for oil and is also an attractive ornamental tree for sunny landscapes.

Plant it in full sun with exceptionally well-drained soil. Once established, olive trees are drought tolerant and require relatively little care. Good drainage is especially important in our humid climate, as consistently wet soil can lead to root problems and poor fruit production.

Good to Know: ‘Arbequina’ produces small olives with a mild, fruity oil, but olives should not be eaten straight from the tree. Fresh olives are naturally very bitter and need to be cured or processed before eating.