Wild Olive
Forestiera neomexicana

Family: Oleaceae

What it is like

Forestiera neomexicana is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Dry slopes and ridges below 2000 metres.

South-western N. America - Texas to New Mexico, west to California.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit. Although only 4 - 8mm long, it has been suggested as a substitute for the true olive, Olea europaea.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.

Other

Rating:

Plants growing in the wild are used as indicators of underground water.

Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.

How it is grown

Succeeds in most soils. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil. Tolerates dry sites. Flowers are produced in the axils of the previous years leaves. Plants do not fruit well in Britain, probably due to a lack of sunshine.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Easy. Cuttings of mature wood, November to February in a frame or sheltered outdoor bed.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. pubescens glabrifolia. Adelia neo-mexicana.