Olive
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
At a glance
Scientific nameOlea europaea
Trade / common nameOlive
FamilyOleaceae
RegionSouthern Europe · Northern Africa · Western Asia · Southern Asia · Europe · North America
Distribution
Olive is indigenous to the Mediterranean region including southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. It grows especially in Italy and is in the same family as Ash (Fraxinus spp). The species is also cultivated in orchards throughout California, and is also found in Arizona and Florida. It prefer sub tropical or Mediterranean climates, especially hot, dry regions under irrigation.
Uses
Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Hatracks, Jewelry box, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Office furniture, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Stools, Tables , Utility furniture, Wardrobes
Countries & Distribution
These country connections come directly from the same SQL country–species bridge used by Country Detail and the Global Navigator.
Wood images
Linked historical images associated with this species record.
Olive
Captured from the historical species datasheet.
Projects & Inspiration
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Project images are illustrative inspiration, not species-identification photographs. Suitability should be checked against the species data and project requirements.
Fine woodworkingDecorative detailsSmall crafted objects
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Appearance
Heartwood color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Brown
Red
Pink
Purple
Yellow
Pale brown
Occasional dark streaks
Occasional brown streaks
Light tan
Light reddish-brown to yellowish-brown
The dark brown streaks and yellowish sapwood are reported to contrast to give the wood a very attractive appearance
Sapwood Color
Historical source observations are shown separately; differences may reflect source, geography, test condition or publication.
Yellow
Pink
White
Brown
Yellowish
Often striped
Narrow
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood
Brown - golden with brown streaks
Luster
Medium
Uses & Applications
Common Uses
Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Hatracks, Jewelry box, Kitchen cabinets, Living-room suites, Office furniture, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Stools, Tables , Utility furniture, Wardrobes
Product Sources
Olive is cultivated in relatively large quantities for oil and olives. It is often not readily available in the timber trade. Occasionally, burl veneer, lathe billets, and carving flitches are available, but they are typically expensive.
Full Technical Species Profile
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Protected technical content includes physical and mechanical properties, working and drying characteristics, durability data, detailed technical observations, references and methodology.