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Alpharetta GA #172

Forestiera pubescens Desert Olive

Product Highlights

Growth Height Max 20 ft.

Growth Width Max 15 ft.

Exposure Full

Soil Moisture Low

Hardiness Zone Maximum Zone 10b

Hardiness Zone Minimum Zone 5a

Growth Height Max 20 ft.

Growth Width Max 15 ft.

Exposure Full

Soil Moisture Low

Hardiness Zone Maximum Zone 10b

Hardiness Zone Minimum Zone 5a

Description

Forestiera pubescens, commonly known as Desert Olive or New Mexico Olive, is a hardy, adaptable Southwestern native prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and striking multi-stemmed form. This rugged deciduous shrub or small tree thrives in arid environments where few other woody plants survive, offering silver-green foliage, gnarled branching, and small yellow spring flowers that provide early-season interest for pollinators. Valued historically by Indigenous communities for its wood and wildlife benefits, Desert Olive has become a staple in xeric and native landscapes across the Southwest. Its toughness, longevity, and ability to flourish in poor, rocky, alkaline soils make it an outstanding choice for water-wise landscapes, naturalistic plantings, and restoration projects.

Exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in harsh, arid, alkaline soils
Multi-stemmed shrub/small tree with attractive branching and silver-green foliage
Highly durable native plant ideal for restoration, wildlife habitat, and xeric landscapes
Learn more about SiteOne nursery container sizing

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Size

5 gal.

Item

65325-105

Available

Size

5 gal.

Item

65325-105

Available

Location

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Price

Call branch for pricing at 1-800-748-3663

Description

Exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in harsh, arid, alkaline soils
Multi-stemmed shrub/small tree with attractive branching and silver-green foliage
Highly durable native plant ideal for restoration, wildlife habitat, and xeric landscapes
Learn more about SiteOne nursery container sizing

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Specifications

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Deciduous

Shrub

pubescens

Forestiera

Desert Olive, Elbowbush, Stretchberry

Zone 10b

Zone 5a

20 ft.

8 ft.

6 ft.

15 ft.

6 ft.

Arborescent,Open,Rounded,Spreading,Upright

Slow to Moderate

Neutral (6.5 to 7.5),Slightly Alkaline (7.6 to 8.0),Alkaline (>8.0)

Low

Full

Accent,Barrier,Bed,Border,Erosion Control,Firescaping/Firewise,Hedge,Mass Planting,Naturalizer,Screen/Privacy,Small Tree,Specimen,Windbreak,Xeriscaping/Water-Wise

Low

Deer,Rabbit

Drought,Drought (Once Established),Dry Conditions,Heat,Wind

Yellow

Early Spring (March),Mid-Spring (April-May)

Drupe

Spring,Winter,Summer,Fall

Yes

Clay,Loamy,Well Drained,Sandy,Rocky

Desert Olive

Coastal Area,Courtyards and Patios,Entryway,Meadow/Prairie,Median Strips,Naturalized Area,Parking Lots,Roadside,Slope/Bank,Small Spaces,Woodland

Desert Garden,Drought Tolerant Garden,Meadow/Prairie Garden,Native Garden,Pollinator Garden,Rock Garden,Traditional Garden,Urban Garden

Yellow Shades

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