Olea europaea 'Mission'

Olea europaea 'Mission' is a distinctive Californian cultivar developed in the 1780s by Franciscan monks from seed brought from Spain. It is a dual purpose cultivar that can be used to produce green or black table olives as well as an olive oil with a clean, sweet, and delicate flavour. Trees are strong, vigorous and erect. Exhibits good hardiness in our region. 'Mission' is self-infertile. 'Ascolana' and 'Sevillano' have been noted as good pollinators though other cultivars may also do the trick.

A great choice for landscape use and fruit production, this lovely low-spreading picturesque tree is the perfect olive if you would like to grow-your-own; reaching 25-30' tall with pretty grey-green, willow-like foliage and small but fragrant creamy spring flowers, this cultivar was developed in California by the Spanish missions along the El Camino Real in the 18th century; ½ to 1 ½ inch olives ripen to black and have excellent flavor and a high oil content of 21.8%; an elegant choice for Mediterranean or Xeriscape gardens. S/M-D/GDr

Long planted in North America, a reliable plant with an overall handsome habit. To 15-20', though untended specimens have reached 40', with 2" silvery leaves and deep black fruit ripening late. Sun in well-drained soil. Supplemental water to establish; withhold in late summer to harden. Has remained hardy to 10 ºF, USDA zone 8 if fully ripened.