Botanical Name: Forestiera neomexicana
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Common Name: New Mexican Privet; Desert Olive  
Plant photo of: Forestiera neomexicana
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Water Saving Tip:

Check the soil's moisture level before watering.

You can reduce your water use 20-50% by regularly checking the soil before watering.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

 

Height Range

6-12'

 

Flower Color

Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

 

Bark Color

Grey, White

 

Fruit Color

Blue, Green

 

Fruit Season

Summer

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: Mountain States Nursery
  • Description

  • Notes

Desert Olive is a Utah native, commonly found on streambanks or in areas with a high water table. This deciduous tree or large shrub typically grows 8 to 15 feet tall and 6 to 10 feet wide. It has an upright habit, and is low-branched, so pruning is necessary to maintain a tree-like canopy. The leaves are long, leathery, and dark green, turning yellow in fall. Tiny yellow spring flowers are followed by small, olive-like fruit enjoyed by birds (both a male and female plant are necessary for fruiting). New wood is nearly black, aging to a light gray.