New Mexico olive
Forestiera neomexicana
Last reviewed: August 2026
New Mexico olive is a deciduous shrub that thrives in full sun with low water once established, blooming small yellow-green flowers in March and April.
Toxicity unknown
New Mexico olive (Forestiera neomexicana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 449 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
- When does New Mexico olive bloom?
- New Mexico olive typically flowers in March and April, producing small clusters of yellow-green blooms before its leaves fully emerge.
- How much water does New Mexico olive need?
- Once established, this shrub handles low water well and only needs occasional deep watering during long dry spells, though it also tolerates moderate moisture in well-drained soil.
- What kind of light does New Mexico olive prefer?
- It grows best in full sun but can adapt to part sun or light part shade, especially in hotter, drier climates where some afternoon shade reduces stress.
- Do pollinators visit New Mexico olive?
- Bees are commonly seen visiting its small spring flowers, which provide an early-season nectar source in arid and semi-arid landscapes.
- Does New Mexico olive lose its leaves in winter?
- Yes, it is a deciduous shrub and drops its leaves in fall, leafing out again in spring around the time it blooms.
- Is New Mexico olive HOA-friendly?
- New Mexico olive is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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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