Olive trees are iconic landscape trees known for their gnarled trunks, silvery-green leaves and of course, olives. However, real olive trees can be tricky to grow in many climates, as they require specific conditions to thrive.

Luckily, there are several trees that mimic the look of olive trees, without the need for a Mediterranean climate. These olive tree lookalikes can provide the same sculptural, old-world charm, while being better suited to a variety of regions.

If you love the look of olive trees, consider using one of these 9 alternatives in your own landscape design.

Serviceberry/Juneberry Trees

Serviceberry, also called Juneberry is a flowering tree native to North America. It grows 15-20 feet tall and wide with a naturally irregular form, similar to an old olive tree.

The foliage of serviceberry is oval, about 2-3 inches long. While not as willowy as olive leaves, serviceberries have a subtle grayish cast that evokes an olive tree. Clusters of white flowers bloom in spring, followed by edible blueberry-like fruit in summer.

Serviceberries thrive in USDA zones 3-9, so they are hardy in many areas olive trees would struggle. They also tolerate drier conditions once established

Amur Chokecherry Tree

Another North American native, the Amur chokecherry has an irregular growth habit with contorted branches that bare a strong resemblance to olive trees. Like olives, Amur chokecherry develops gnarled bark as it ages.

The leaves are glossy and oval, about 2-3 inches long. Though darker green than olive leaves, they provide a similar fine, airy texture. Showy clusters of white flowers bloom in spring, followed by dark red-black cherries.

Hardy down to zone 3, Amur chokecherry adapts well to various soil conditions and also tolerates drought once established.

White Fringe Tree

White fringe tree is an ornamental tree native to the eastern US. It reaches 15-30 feet tall and wide at maturity. The irregular branching pattern and gnarled trunk create an aged, sculptural form akin to an old olive tree.

The leaves are oval, 2-5 inches long, and have a blue-green cast. Drooping panicles of showy, fragrant white flowers bloom in late spring. Though not an exact match, the narrow leaves and overall form give a similar aesthetic to olive trees.

Hardy in zones 4-9, white fringe tree can adapt to various soil types and is quite drought tolerant. The dappled shade and interesting form make it a great lawn or patio tree.

Japanese Snowbell Tree

A favorite olive tree alternative for Asian-inspired gardens is the Japanese snowbell tree. It has a naturally irregular shape with contorted branching. Like olive trees, the bark becomes textured and furrowed with age.

The leaves are oval, 2-5 inches long, and have a dusky gray-green color. Delicate white bell-shaped flowers dangle from the branches in spring. The flowers have a lovely, sweet fragrance.

Japanese snowbells thrive in zones 5-8 and appreciate afternoon shade in hot climates. They are adaptable to various soil types and are relatively drought tolerant once established.

Chaste Tree

Also known as Vitex, chaste tree is a medium-sized ornamental tree that reaches 15-25 feet tall and wide. It has an open, vase-shaped form with picturesque twisted branching, similar to aged olive trees. The bark is silver-gray and furrowed.

The leaves are fragrant and fern-like, comprising elongated leaflets. Flowers are captivating—long spikes of blue to violet blooms appear summer into fall, attracting butterflies.

Chaste trees grow well in zones 5-9. They appreciate full sun and are quite drought tolerant. The unique flowers and summertime bloom make this a great olive tree alternative.

Crape Myrtle

Though crape myrtles are technically large shrubs, they are commonly pruned into picturesque single-trunk specimens that resemble olive trees. They have decorative peeling bark that adds aged character.

The leaves are oval, about 1-2 inches long, and emerge reddish-green, maturing to dark green. Though the foliage is not identical to olive trees, it provides dappled shade and visual interest. The real showstoppers are the vibrant summer flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, red, or purple.

Crape myrtles thrive in zones 7-9. Once established, they are highly drought tolerant. The late summer flowers provide stunning color when many trees are not in bloom.

American Arborvitae

For a fast-growing evergreen olive tree lookalike, American arborvitae is a great option. It has a naturally irregular, pyramidal form with twisted branching that resembles aged olive trees. Soft, feathery foliage provides dappled shade.

The foliage is bright emerald green when young, mellowing to olive-like grayish green with age. The loose, open texture and irregular shape make a striking substitute for olive trees in climates where they struggle.

American arborvitae grows well in zones 3-7. It appreciates afternoon shade and regular watering when young but becomes quite drought tolerant at maturity. Versatile and adaptable, it’s a great olive tree alternative for screening or specimen use.

Italian Cypress

Italian cypress has a tight, columnar shape when young but spreads into an irregular, umbrella-like form at maturity, similar to olive trees. The stringy foliage provides dappled shade, though the leaves are darker green and not as fine as olive leaves.

Interestingly, research indicates Italian cypress trees are genetically quite similar to some olive varieties. The Mediterranean flair and evergreen nature make Italian cypress a favorite olive lookalike. Provide ample space for the wide-spreading mature form.

Italian cypress grows well in zones 7-10. It appreciates full sun and is quite drought tolerant once established. Plant it as an accent or use multiple trees to create an informal screen.

Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’

Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’ is a slender evergreen cultivar that makes a striking substitute for olive trees. It has a columnar yet irregular growth habit, with layered branching. The foliage is emerald green and shiny, comprised of dense overlapping leaflets.

‘Smaragd’ arborvitae has a tight conical form when young but spreads into a more open, irregular umbrella shape at maturity, similar to aged olive trees. The elegant narrow profile works well in formal and modern garden designs.

This arborvitae thrives in zones 3-7. Once established it is quite drought tolerant. ‘Smaragd’ appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates. Use it as a living sculpture or plant in rows for screening.

Conclusion

Olive trees lend Mediterranean charm but can be challenging to grow in many regions. Luckily, there are many great alternatives that provide a similar aged, sculptural look without the hassle.

Trees like serviceberry, Amur chokecherry, white fringe tree, chaste tree, and crape myrtle offer irregular branching and ornamental qualities. For evergreen options, consider Italian cypress, American arborvitae, or narrow cultivars like ‘Smaragd’.

When selecting an olive tree lookalike, consider your climate and growing conditions. Most appreciate full sun and are quite drought tolerant once established. With the right selection, you can get the artistic, old world look of olive trees without being limited by your region’s environment.