Taxon

Forestiera pubescens var. parvifolia

 
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Forestiera pubescens var. parvifolia - New Mexico privet, New Mexico olive
Image: Janice Tucker
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Common name: New Mexico privet, New Mexico olive
Family: Oleaceae (Olive)
Synonym: Forestiera neomexicana
Distribution: Southwestern United States
Habitat: Canyons, montane slopes, ridges
Hardiness: USDA Zone 4 (-30 to -20 °F)
Life form: Deciduous shrub/sub-shrub
Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant
Growing Conditions: The native range of this variety of New Mexico privet extends from southern California to Texas. It is widespread throughout New Mexico, usually growing in desert canyons, or on dry, rocky slopes and ridges. It grows in full sun or in part shade, and appreciates protection from hot afternoon sun. It grows in sand, clay or regular garden soil. Although it is drought tolerant and requires only a low amount of water, it will look best and grow faster with occasional deep irrigation in hot, dry summers. The flowers are monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes are sometimes found on the same plant). This large vase-shaped shrub is often trimmed to a multi-stemmed tree form. It is an effective windbreak if left unpruned.
Description: New Mexico privet grows up to 15 feet tall. In dry areas, it may grow as a single shrub, but it often forms thickets in moist areas. The young twigs are hairy but older bark is gray and smooth. The leaves are oppositely paired or in small bundles along the stems. The leaves are elliptical, bright green, and usually densely covered with hairs when young. This large shrub is sometimes called “Spring Herald” because it flowers early, before leafing out. Clumps of greenish-yellow male or female flowers are produced on separate plants, in leaf axils of the previous year. Female plants produce numerous fleshy, blue-black fruits.
Links: SEINet

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