Plant Details

Desert Olive

Forestiera neomexicana

Also called: New Mexico Privet | Stretchberry

A tough-as-nails deciduous shrub or small tree that brings a soft, airy texture to arid landscapes. Its smooth, pale gray bark provides beautiful structure, while the tiny yellow spring blooms attract a buzz of pollinators. By late summer, female plants produce blue-black berries that local birds absolutely adore. It is an excellent choice for a rugged hedge or a bird-friendly specimen.

Flowering Winter interest Salt tolerant Heat tolerant Cold tolerant California native Bee friendly Butterfly friendly Deer resistant Clay tolerant Beginner friendly Drought tolerant Likely to reseed Has berries

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Plant Snapshot

TypeShrub | Woody | Perennial | Deciduous

Growth habitArching | Spreading | Upright

Use categoriesOrnamental | Pollinator Plant

SettingOutdoor

Growth rateModerate

Mature size classMedium

Bloom colorGreen, Yellow

Bloom seasonEarly spring

HardinessZones 4a-9b

Size96-180 in tall | 96-144 in wide

Life expectancy50 years

Size noteOften reaches about 12 feet in garden settings but can grow larger in ideal conditions.

Spacing72-120 in apart

Spacing noteSpace closer for a dense privacy screen or wider to allow the natural arching shape to shine.

Growth Conditions

LightFull Sun

WaterLow

SoilAverage | Clay | Rocky | Sandy

DrainageWell-Drained

Leaf notesBright green leaves turn a lovely clear yellow in the autumn.

Pruning noteNaturally grows with multiple stems. Can be pruned into a single-trunk tree or sheared into a formal hedge in late winter.

Feeding noteRarely needs fertilizer once established; a light layer of compost in spring is more than enough.

Propagation noteCan be grown from seed (requires cold stratification) or semi-hardwood cuttings.

Seasonal Timing

Bloom timing

Early spring

Flowers appear on bare wood before leaves emerge.

Fruit timing

Late summer

Small blue-black drupes appear on female plants.

Seasonal rest

Winter

Deciduous habit reveals attractive smooth bark.

Cautions

Pests

Scale

Occasionally affected but rarely a serious threat.

Pet safetyNot listed yet.

Allergy noteWind-pollinated; can be a source of spring hay fever for sensitive individuals.

Health noteNot listed yet.

Sources

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Comprehensive guide on native North American plants.

Places that sell it

No seller list yet.

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