Jose Rauda - Lethbridge Real Estate Listings

Russian Olives
Russian olives are not native to southern Alberta and were traditionally used as part of the shelter belt program and as ornamental trees. As early as 1923, we see them promoted in the Lethbridge Herald as a durable, quick growing tree to be used in the area.
They were often praised in those early years.
Russian olives could be purchased at several places in those decades. Indeed, even Eatons sold it and Russian olive trees could be purchased from the Eatons in Lethbridge for 30 cents each in 1933. (12 May 1933, Lethbridge Herald)
In 1939, the Weekly Letter in the Lethbridge Herald written by the Experimental Station, listed the Russian olive as comparatively drought-resistant and one of the ornamental shrubs well suited for planting around the home. (24 February 1939, Lethbridge Herald)
For example, in a 1941 Lethbridge Horticultural Society tour of the Dr. Rose garden (721 11 Street South), it was that “in it is what always makes a garden attractive, a cosy nook with a unique Russian olive affording shade.” (13 August 1941, Lethbridge Herald)
Today, some people see the Russian olive very differently and there are concerns about the tree.
Unfortunately, they produce fruit with seeds that are easily dispersed by birds. This means that numerous Russian olives are now growing volunteer in places where they were never planted. Today, they can be found in coulees, natural areas, gardens, parks and more. The Russian olive grows well in dry areas and have few diseases or pests to hinder their growth and are difficult to eradicate once established. Further, they can outcompete native species and can lead to the demise of the cottonwoods in riparian areas. In many places they are now considered invasive species and some states, such as Wyoming, have gone so far as to restrict their sales and planting. Russian olives are even worse in the south-eastern area of Alberta around Medicine Hat but as you drive through the area, keep your eyes open and you’ll be amazed how many of them you see.

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