New Mexico olive
Forestiera neomexicana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
96"–180" H × 96"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
TX, NM, AZ, CO and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
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, backyard only.
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 TX, NM, AZ, CO and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does New Mexico olive fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.