Olea europaea ‘Leccino’

Leccino Olive | Non-Native

Light: Full Sun
Water: Low to Moderate once established
Size: Approx. 20–30 ft. tall × 15–25 ft. wide at maturity; can be maintained smaller with pruning
Fruit: Medium-sized olives that ripen from green to dark purple-black
Type: Evergreen fruiting tree
Native Status: Non-native, Italian cultivar
Garden Value: Silvery evergreen foliage, edible fruit, drought tolerance, and good cold tolerance

An Italian Olive with Year-Round Appeal

‘Leccino’ Olive is a classic Italian olive prized for its graceful evergreen form, silvery green foliage, and medium-sized fruit. Traditionally grown for olive oil, its Mediterranean appearance also makes it an attractive ornamental tree for sunny landscapes.

Plant it in full sun with very well-drained soil. Once established, olive trees are drought tolerant, but good drainage is especially important in our humid climate. ‘Leccino’ is considered one of the more cold-hardy olive cultivars, making it an interesting option for gardeners looking to experiment with olives in the Southeast.

Good to Know: ‘Leccino’ is not self-fertile, so another compatible olive cultivar nearby is needed for reliable fruit production. Compatible pollinizers include ‘Frantoio,’ ‘Pendolino,’ ‘Picholine,’ ‘Carolea,’ and ‘Maurino.’