To harvest the small, sweet, and aromatic silver olives of the oleaster ‘Quicksilver’ , whose floury flesh lends itself perfectly to brining, soups, or jellies, you will need to plant two different varieties. However, few varieties are as resistant to the disease affecting the species as ‘Quicksilver’, which is why we selected it, in addition to its compact size, which is more likely to find a spot in the sun.

Typically multi-stemmed, the oleaster ‘Quicksilver’ tolerates salt spray, de-icing salts, and can thrive in so-called sterile soils, with its roots capable of fixing nitrogen.

The pit is also edible, though fibrous. Its honeyed, spicy bloom, a delight for both the nose and eyes, invites tiger swallowtail butterflies and drunken bumblebees to a dizzying Russian ballet. These yellow flowers last for some time, and the spectacle is a constant luxury, as this small, slightly bourgeois-bohemian tree with silver foliage blends perfectly with any color, shining as though it’s always sunny!