1. * Desert Olive – Forestiera pubescens var. pubescens
(for-es-tee-AIR-uh pew-BES-ens)
Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Native to: Southwestern N. America from TX & CO west to CA and south to Mexico. In CA, in
foothills of Sierras, Desert Mountains, Tehachapi; dry slopes and washes in creosote bush scrub,
chaparral, coastal sage scrub and foothill woodland.
large shrub/tree
mature height: 12-18 ft.
mature width: 10-15 ft.
Winter-deciduous woody shrub to small tree. Stems have irregular growth habit, sometimes almost
vine-like, with spiny branchlets. Young bark dark – older bark white, somewhat like aspen. Leaves
bright green in spring, provide yellow fall color. Spreads and may be thicket-forming.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in early spring, often before the leaves. Plants are dioecious – separate
male & female plants – must have both for fruiting. Flowers are small, yellow. Fruits are small
(~ ¼ inch) blue-black olives. Fruit is very showy.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Very adaptable in the garden. Makes a great hedge or screen, alone of mixed
with other desert shrubs. Can be pruned to form a small, drought-tolerant tree. Fine for areas that
receive little maintenance – or can be managed as a more traditional garden shrub. Nice accent
plant with fall color, showy berries, white bark. Tolerates harsh winds – strong wood.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native large shrubs; privets, Siberian Pea-shrub, European olive.
Excellent habitat plant.
Provides early nectar for pollinators and larval food for
Hairstreak butterflies and Sphinx Moths. Birds eat the fruits. Provides dense cover.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade; adaptable.
Any local soil; not particular
Water well first year; then does best at Zone 1-2 or 2 (occasional summer water).
none
Easy to grow. Best if regularly pruned or hedged to keep a more formal shape. Will
spread with regular water – plant only male trees near riparian areas.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: clean seeds; plant spring. May cold treat 1 mo. by cuttings/layering: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 13, 20
2/2/11
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