olivegreen

Olive green is a family of colors that resemble the color of olives and olive foliage. It is typically a deep, warm green with yellow undertones, placing it in the green–yellow area of the color wheel. Common representations include hex values such as #808000 (olive) and #6B8E23 (olive drab); other shades range toward browner greens like #556B2F.

The name derives from the olives produced by the olive tree (Olea europaea), and the color has long been associated with the fruit and its leaves. In design terminology, olive green often functions as an earthy, neutral-toned color within palettes that emphasize natural materials and outdoor settings.

Variants and usage: Olive drab is a widely recognized military shade used in uniforms, equipment, and camouflage. In fashion and interior design, olive greens are paired with neutral tones such as beige, tan, and gray, and with darker colors like navy and black. The exact shade used varies by context and manufacturer, and digital displays may render olive green differently.

Cultural associations and perception: Olive green evokes nature, durability, and stability. In branding and product design, it can signal ruggedness or ecological themes. When used in combination with light text or graphics, appropriate contrast should be ensured to meet accessibility guidelines, as with any color choice. The term encompasses a range of hues from yellow-green to olive-brown, rather than a single precise shade.