Location specific values:
Array
(
    [lat] => 43.082200
    [lng] => -89.393000
    [elevation] => 258
    [rainfall] => 817.8845
    [cold_temperature] => -13.1976
    [temperature] => 28.1862
    [user_eto] => 834.97720874
)

Plant specific values:
Array
(
    [rain_min_irrigation] => 424
    [eto_corrected] => 1568
    [eto_adjusted_rain_min (rain_min_irrigation / eto_corrected)] => 0.48596939
)
Desert Olive (Forestiera neomexicana) | Easyscape Plant Profile

Desert Olive

(Forestiera neomexicana)

Desert Olive (Forestiera neomexicana)

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Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Climate Requirements for Madison, Wisconsin

This Plant Your Site Plant Suitability for Your Location
• Precipitation 3" - 49" 32" Your precipitation may be too high for this plant. Too high
• High Temp. 72°F - 103°F 83°F Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. Excellent
• Low Temp. 4°F - 42°F 8°F Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant Excellent
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.

Summary

Forestiera neomexicana, commonly known as Desert Olive, is a deciduous shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico, including chaparral, plains, and desert washes. It typically grows to a height of 18 feet (5 meters) and a width of 12 feet (3.7 meters), with a dense, twiggy form. The plant produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in early spring, followed by small, olive-like fruits that are attractive to wildlife.

Desert Olive is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for erosion control and as a wildlife habitat plant. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as they are well-drained. It is best suited to full sun conditions but can tolerate partial shade. While generally pest and disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 6-12 feet
  • Width: 6-12 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to chaparral, plains, and desert washes in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Wild Olive, Stretchberry

Scientific Names: Forestiera neomexicana, Forestiera pubescens var. parvifolia, Forestiera neomexicana var. arizonica, Forestiera acuminata var. parvifolia, Forestiera pubescens var. neomexicana, Forestiera sphaerocarpa, Adelia neomexicana, Forestiera arizonica, Forestiera pubescens subsp. neomexicana

GBIF Accepted Name: Forestiera pubescens var. parvifolia (A.Gray) G.L.Nesom