Olive trees are renowned for their iconic twisted trunks, gnarled branches, and silvery-green foliage. While highly prized, true olive trees can be tricky to grow outside of Mediterranean climates. Luckily, there are several olive tree lookalikes that mimic the form and texture of real olives, without the fuss.

These olive tree alternatives offer the same sculptural shapes and 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 similar trees in your own landscape design.

1. Serviceberry

Also called Juneberry, Serviceberry is a gorgeous flowering tree native to North America. It grows 15-20 feet tall and wide with naturally irregular branching that resembles aged olive trees.

The oval leaves are about 2-3 inches long and have a subtle blue-green tone that calls to mind olive foliage Clusters of white spring flowers give way to edible summer berries

Hardy in zones 3-9 Serviceberries thrive in many areas where olives would struggle. They also tolerate drier conditions once established.

2. Amur Chokecherry

The Amur Chokecherry tree has a twisted, contorted growth habit strikingly similar to old olive trees As it ages, the bark becomes attractively gnarled and textured

Though the glossy green leaves are darker than olive leaves, they offer a comparable willowy, fine texture. Showy white blooms in spring transition to red summer fruits.

Hardy from zones 2-6, Amur Chokecherry adapts well to various soils and also handles drought once mature. The graceful form makes a unique specimen.

3. White Fringe Tree

White Fringe Tree is a small ornamental tree native to the eastern US. It reaches 15-30 feet tall at maturity, with irregular branching and twisted trunks reminiscent of aged olive trees.

The narrow, olive-like leaves and airy, open canopy provide a comparable look on a smaller scale. Panicles of incredibly fragrant white blooms appear in late spring.

Thriving in zones 4-9, White Fringe Tree tolerates varying soil types. It is also quite drought tolerant when established.

4. Japanese Snowbell

A standout for Asian garden designs, the Japanese Snowbell has naturally contorted branching and furrowed bark that develops with age. The open, irregular shape mirrors old olive trees.

Though the foliage is more emerald green, the 2-5 inch long leaves have a similar willowy texture. Delicate spring flowers dangle like white bells, giving off a lovely fragrance.

Hardy for zones 5-8, Japanese Snowbells appreciate some afternoon shade in hot climates. They adapt to different soils and are relatively drought tolerant when mature.

5. Chaste Tree

Also known as Vitex, Chaste Tree is a medium-sized tree reaching 15-25 feet tall and wide. The open, vase-shaped form displays the same picturesque twisted branching as old olive trees.

The aromatic, fern-like leaves comprise elongated leaflets. Long spikes of captivating blue flowers appear from summer into fall, attracting butterflies.

Thriving in zones 5-9, Chaste Trees appreciate full sun and are quite drought tolerant once established. The unique summertime blooms make it a great olive tree alternative.

6. Crape Myrtle

Though technically a large shrub, Crape Myrtles are often pruned into olive-like single trunk trees. The peeling bark develops attractive character, similar to aged olive trees.

The foliage is not an exact match, but provides comparable dappled shade and visual interest. Vibrant summer flower colors include white, pink, red, or purple.

Crape Myrtles grow well in zones 7-9. When mature, they are highly drought tolerant. The late summer blooms provide eye-catching color.

7. American Arborvitae

For a fast-growing evergreen olive lookalike, American Arborvitae has a naturally irregular pyramidal shape with twisted branching resembling aged olive trees.

The soft, feathery foliage casts dappled shade. Foliage is bright green when young but takes on an olive-like grayish green hue with maturity.

Thriving in zones 3-7, American Arborvitae needs some shade and water when young but becomes quite drought tolerant when mature. It makes a great substitute for olive trees where they struggle.

8. Italian Cypress

Italian Cypress has a tight columnar shape when young but spreads into an umbrella-like open form at maturity, much like olive trees. The stringy foliage provides dappled shade.

Though darker green than olive leaves, research shows Italian Cypress trees are genetically very close to some olive varieties. The Mediterranean vibe makes it a favorite olive lookalike.

Growing well in zones 7-10, Italian Cypress needs full sun and becomes drought tolerant when mature. Use as an accent or informal screen.

9. Arborvitae ‘Smaragd’

‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae is a narrow evergreen cultivar with irregular growth habit and layered branching reminiscent of olive trees. The emerald foliage is dense and overlapping.

Initially a tight cone, it spreads into a more open, irregular shape at maturity like aged olive trees. The sleek vertical form works well in formal gardens.

Thriving in zones 3-7, ‘Smaragd’ needs some shade when young but becomes drought tolerant when mature. Use it as a living sculpture.

Conclusion

While olive trees can be tricky outside of Mediterranean climates, there are many great imposter trees that mimic their artistic form.

Options like Serviceberry, Amur Chokecherry, Chaste Tree, and Crape Myrtle provide comparable irregular branching and visual interest. For evergreens, consider American Arborvitae, Italian Cypress or narrow ‘Smaragd’ Arborvitae.

When selecting an olive tree lookalike, consider your climate and growing conditions. Most appreciate full sun and become drought tolerant once established. With the right pick, you can get the beauty of olive trees without climate limitations.