New Mexico olive
Forestiera neomexicana
Last reviewed: August 2026
New Mexico olive (Forestiera neomexicana) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
96"–180" H × 96"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A deciduous, multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree with small, opposite, gray-green leaves and an open, twiggy habit. Inconspicuous yellow-green flowers appear on bare branches in early spring before leaf-out, followed on female plants by small blue-black fruit. Adapts to a wide range of soils and tolerates drought and heat once established.
Growing New Mexico olive
Grow New Mexico olive in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 96 to 180 inches tall and spread 96 to 144 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
New Mexico olive is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Early spring flowers provide one of the season's first nectar sources for bees, and the fall fruit is eaten by birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does New Mexico olive need?
- New Mexico olive grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does New Mexico olive bloom?
- New Mexico olive blooms in March and April.
- Where is New Mexico olive native?
- New Mexico olive (Forestiera neomexicana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does New Mexico olive attract?
- New Mexico olive draws bees.
- Is New Mexico olive HOA-friendly?
- New Mexico olive is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow New Mexico olive? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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