Forestiera neomexicana
New Mexican Privet, Desert Olive
Description
Delicate leaves turn yellow in fall. Tiny yellow flowers before leaves. Male & Females. Need both for fruit formation. Bird attractor. Light gray bark contrasts with blue green foliage. Upright, stiffly branched deciduous shrub or small tree to 20'. Widely distributed 3-7000'. Soil tolerant. Full sun. Can be left natural or hedged. Wildlife food.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Light Green
Bark Color
Grey
Fruit Color
Blue
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low, Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Formal, Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Multi-trunk Tree, Silhouette, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Summer
Location Uses
Background, Foundation, Parking Strip, Patio
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Apply a 2" layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or aged sawdust.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are also acceptable.