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Description
Forestiera Ligustrina, commonly known as Desert Olive or Wild Olive, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has smooth, gray bark and glossy, dark green leaves that are about 1-2 inches long. The plant blooms in late winter to early spring, producing small, yellow, fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a small, black drupe that ripens in late summer to early fall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Forestiera |
Appearance
The Forestiera Ligustrina has glossy, dark green leaves that are about 1-2 inches long. The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and have smooth margins. The plant has smooth, gray bark and can grow up to 20 feet tall. The flowers are small, yellow, and fragrant, blooming in late winter to early spring. The fruit is a small, black drupe that ripens in late summer to early fall.
Care Guide
Water: The Forestiera Ligustrina prefers moderate watering, so it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilization: The plant requires fertilization in early spring and late summer. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. Soil: The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Sunlight: The Forestiera Ligustrina prefers full sun to partial shade. Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Forestiera Ligustrina is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
The Forestiera Ligustrina is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, canyons, and washes. The plant is well-adapted to drought and can survive in arid environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Forestiera Ligustrina be used for hedging? A: Yes, the plant can be used for hedging due to its dense growth habit. Q: Is the Forestiera Ligustrina poisonous? A: No, the plant is not poisonous to humans or animals. Q: Does the Forestiera Ligustrina attract pollinators? A: Yes, the plant produces small, yellow, fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. Q: How often should I water my Forestiera Ligustrina? A: The plant prefers moderate watering, so it is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watering once or twice a week should be sufficient.
Related Plants
- Forestiera pubescens
- Forestiera segregata
- Forestiera neomexicana
- Forestiera angustifolia
References
- “Forestiera Ligustrina.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 September 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m180>.
- “Desert Olive.” Arizona State University. Accessed 16 September 2021. <https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/forestieraligustrina.html>.
- “Forestiera Ligustrina.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 16 September 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=FOLI>.
