The Black Olive Tree (Bucida buceras, now classified as Terminalia buceras) is one of South Florida’s classic shade and street trees — a broad, layered canopy of tiny leaves on gracefully tiered branches, tough enough for salt, wind, and parking-lot heat. Not related to the edible olive, it is prized for its distinctive silhouette and dense shade.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Black Olive Tree Breakdown
Appearance:
Small, leathery, blue-green leaves clustered at the branch tips on horizontal, layered limbs that give a spreading, umbrella-like crown.
Branches carry small thorns, and inconspicuous yellowish flower spikes appear in spring.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Size:
40–50 feet tall with a 35–50 foot spread at maturity.
Available in 25-gallon (8–10 feet) and 45-gallon (10–12 feet).
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun.
Water Needs:
Low once established.
Highly drought tolerant and takes salt spray and brackish conditions.
Soil Preferences:
Adaptable to sandy, limestone, and even poorly drained soils.
Maintenance:
Low to medium.
Prune young trees to establish a strong structure. Note: leaf and flower drop leaves tannin stains on pavers, driveways, and cars — site it over lawn or mulch, not parking.
Landscape Use:
Shade tree for large lawns, streetscapes, medians, and commercial frontage; coastal and windbreak plantings.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10b–11.
Built for South Florida heat, salt, and storms; frost-sensitive.
Few trees give you this much shade with this little care — place it with the staining in mind and the Black Olive will shade the property for generations.
Florida Delivery Available
We have Black Olive Tree ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Black Olive Tree in Florida
Select a Stable Location
Choose a spot with full sun to partial sun and room for mature canopy growth. Avoid planting too close to structures.
Dig a Wide Hole
Dig 2–3x wider than the root ball but only as deep as the container. Trees should never be planted too deep.
Set Tree + Backfill
Place the tree level to slightly above grade. Backfill with native soil and firm gently to remove air pockets.
Deep Watering Schedule
Water deeply right after planting, then daily for the first 1–2 weeks. Gradually taper as roots establish.
Staking + Early Care
Stake only if needed for stability. Remove stakes once rooted. Minor leaf drop during establishment is normal.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
Excellent communication and awesome product! At an incredible price too! We're really happy with our new palm trees 🌴 Thank you so much!
After scouring the internet for reviews for Landscapers I came across Dino's Palms and sure glad I did! The owner's husband and wife came and were very helpful picking out everything we wanted! We made a deal on doing my entire property and they personally came with a crew to install in one day! The plants were healthy and beautiful and the price for everything was much cheaper than anyone else!
Bought three plants from this company, Dino and his wife are very helpful and pretty good delivery speed if you live in West Palm Beach (free delivery). The plants are healthy, vibrant, and very well established and much better than the product you find online or via Home Depot. You get more plant for the money and the deals are pretty good. Once you buy one plant, you'll be impressed and purchase more.
