Wild Olive
Forestiera neomexicana
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Pl. 81B8 — Forestiera neomexicana
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IOverview
Overview
Wild Olive, scientifically known as Forestiera neomexicana, is a shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in habitats such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Mexico's northeast and northwest regions. Known for its edible fruit, this plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and prefers full or partial sun with varying levels of moisture from dry to moist conditions. It adapts well to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils and is hardy in zones 5-9. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to provide a food source while maintaining a shrub-like form.
Quick answers
What is Wild Olive?
Wild Olive, scientifically known as Forestiera neomexicana, is a shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in habitats such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and parts of Mexico's northeast and northwest regions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wild Olive thrives in full to partial sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will produce better fruit with regular moisture. The plant grows best in hardiness zones 5-9 and can reach a height of 3 meters as a shrub. Propagate via cuttings or seeds. Fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Wild Olive for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Wild Olive shrub and focus on basic care.
- 1
What you'll need
A Wild Olive (Forestiera neomexicana) plant, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining; it can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young shrub from a nursery pot into your garden. Dig a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water thoroughly after planting and keep soil moist until roots establish.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full to partial sun, water sparingly, and prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the shrub in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Wild Olive's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. The fruit is typically consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the invention of specific recipes; focus on these basic uses.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 10 native
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 81b80d7e-b6a5-4f70-8d89-314057d49eaa
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