The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: desert-olive, New Mexican forestiera, stretchberry

Family: Oleaceae (olive family)

Synonym: Forestiera neomexicana

Distribution: s.w. United States and Mexico

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: This olive tree shrub relative has deciduous leaves and small, greenish, un-showy flowers. It grows 6-9' tall and has a spreading habit. Black fruits are produced on female plants and are small, egg-shaped and covered with a blue bloom. Grows in most any garden soil, thrives in moist soil in full sun and can be used in the border or a natural planting.