How to Grow Desert Olive
Desert Olive
Forestiera neomexicana
shrubDesert olive is a hardy, native shrub from the southwestern United States that produces small, olive-like fruits and delicate foliage. It is highly adapted to arid and semi-arid climates, requiring minimal water once established. This ornamental shrub is valued for its drought tolerance, wildlife benefits, and attractive appearance in xeriscape gardens.
When should you plant Desert Olive in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Desert Olive timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Desert Olive
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Desert Olive
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Desert Olive dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-9, with hardiness extending to zone 6b in protected locations
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Get my Desert Olive timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First 12 monthsYoung shrub with sparse branching and thin stems; foliage is light green and delicate
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root development. Avoid overwatering which causes root rot. Mulch lightly with coarse material.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Shrub develops fuller branching structure with increasingly dense foliage; stems become woody
Minimal supplemental water needed. Prune lightly to shape if desired. No fertilizer needed in native soils.
Flowering
2-4 weeks in springSmall, inconspicuous yellowish or greenish flowers appear along branches in spring before or with leaf emergence
Do not fertilize as this reduces flowering. Maintain established watering schedule.
Fruiting
6-8 weeksSmall dark olive-like fruits develop, maturing to dark blue or black color by late summer
Fruits are food source for wildlife. No special care needed; allow natural ripening.
Dormancy
Winter monthsPlant may be semi-deciduous or deciduous depending on location and water availability; minimal growth
No watering or maintenance needed. Hardy to temperature extremes in native range.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil if severe; ensure adequate air circulation
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Remove by hand on young plants; use horticultural oil in early spring
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap if necessary
Uses
Bird and wildlife food source
WildlifeDesert olive produces abundant fruits that are an important food source for native birds, including mockingbirds, thrushes, and many species of wildlife. Provides both sustenance and shelter for desert fauna. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscaping
HouseholdExcellent for xeriscaping and water-conserving gardens in arid regions. Requires no supplemental irrigation once established, making it ideal for sustainable desert and southwestern landscapes. [source]
Historic indigenous food
CulinaryNative Americans used desert olive fruits as food source. Fruits can be eaten fresh or dried, though they are astringent and benefit from processing into preserves or sauces. [source]
Native ornamental shrub
OrnamentalAttractive multi-season interest with delicate foliage, spring flowers, and persistent fruits. Fine-textured appearance complements desert landscapes and provides year-round structure. [source]
Traditional southwestern uses
MedicinalTraditional uses in southwestern folk medicine; fruits and leaves have been used in various remedies, though modern medicinal applications are limited. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Fruits are primarily for wildlife consumption but can be harvested in late summer when fully dark. Hand-pick ripe fruits from branches. Use fresh or dried; can be eaten raw or processed into jams, though flavor is astringent.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Desert olive is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it thrives in one of Earth's harshest environments
- 🌱 The plant is sometimes called 'desert privet' and produces fruits that resemble tiny olives, though it is unrelated to true olive trees
- 🌱 Desert olive is exceptionally long-lived and can persist in the landscape for decades with virtually no maintenance, thriving on natural rainfall alone
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