Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
Pictures, Photos, And Information, Trees,

New Mexico Olive Tree
Forestiera neomexicana

New Mexico Olive Tree, Forestiera neomexicana Photo Taken At Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. September 11, 2006.

New Mexico Olive Tree Forestiera neomexicana	New Mexico Olive Tree Forestiera neomexicana

New Mexico Olive Tree Forestiera neomexicana, Olive Family ( Oleaceae ), New Mexico Olive Tree. Also Called: Forestiera pubescens, New Mexican Privet, Desert Olive, Ironwood, Ma'Iiada', and Tanglebush. Forestiera neomexicana is a perennial, deciduous shrub or small tree has an upright form that reaches heights of about 10 - 20 feet. In Phoenix it blooms before its grayish-green foliage emerges. It has bright green leaves. Small, black berries later appear in autumn. Its wood is extremely hard. Its beautiful whitish bark accentuates its bright yellow fall foliage. Its female plants produce large amounts of blue-black berries, that are eaten by birds. Plant in full sun or partial shade, and average, well-drained soil. Height: Normally up to 10 feet tall. Can reach 20 feet tall with equal or slightly less spread. Flowers: Tiny yellow flowers. Blooming Time: If they bloom in Southern Arizona, March - April. Phoenix Area, April - May. Fruit & Seeds: 1/4 inch green fruit in late summer; turns redish to black as it ripens. Leaves: The leaves are 1 " in length, alternate, simple, green. Found: Found in southwestern North America, from Texas into New Mexico and west into California. Elevation: 0 - 7,000 Feet. Habitat: Chaparral, Creosote Bush Scrub, Coastal Sage Scrub, Riparian (rivers & creeks), and Central Oak Woodlands. Miscellaneous: Photo Taken At Glendale Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. September 11, 2006. This plant can survive cold winters where the average annual low is -20 Fahrenheit.