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Description
Forestiera Angustifolia, also known as Narrow-leaf Osmanthus, is a deciduous shrub native to the southern United States. It belongs to the Oleaceae family and is a popular choice for landscaping due to its hardiness and adaptability. The shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide, but can also be pruned to maintain a smaller size.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Forestiera |
Appearance
The Forestiera Angustifolia has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are green in color and grow up to 3 inches long. In the spring, the shrub produces small, yellow flowers that are followed by small, black fruit in the fall. The bark of the shrub is smooth and gray in color.
Care Guide
Water
The Forestiera Angustifolia requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Fertilization
The shrub benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
Soil
The Forestiera Angustifolia grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, but does not do well in heavy clay soils.
Sunlight
The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness Zones
The Forestiera Angustifolia is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Forestiera Angustifolia is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to scale insects, spider mites, and root rot if the soil is too wet. Regular inspection and proper care can prevent these issues.
Habitat
The Forestiera Angustifolia is native to the southern United States, where it grows in a variety of habitats including woodlands, prairies, and stream banks. It is also commonly used in landscaping due to its hardiness and adaptability.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Forestiera Angustifolia be used for hedging?
A: Yes, the shrub can be pruned to maintain a formal hedge. It responds well to regular pruning and can be shaped to the desired size and shape.
Q: Does the Forestiera Angustifolia require a lot of maintenance?
A: The shrub is relatively low maintenance, but does benefit from regular watering and fertilization. It also requires occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged branches and maintain its shape.
Q: Can the Forestiera Angustifolia be grown in containers?
A: While the shrub can be grown in containers, it will require regular watering and fertilization to thrive. It is also important to choose a large enough container to accommodate the root system.
Q: Can the Forestiera Angustifolia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, the shrub can be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in the fall or winter. It can also be propagated from seed, but this method is less reliable.
Related Plants
- Forestiera Acuminata
- Forestiera Pubescens
- Forestiera Segregata
References
- “Forestiera angustifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=f580>
- “Forestiera angustifolia.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=FOAN2>
- “Narrow-leaf Osmanthus.” North Carolina State Extension. Accessed 28 July 2021. <https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/narrow-leaf-osmanthus>
