Desert Olive: A Drought-Tough Native Shrub for Southwestern Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, water-wise shrub that’s perfectly at home in the American Southwest, let me introduce you to the desert olive (Forestiera shrevei). This unassuming native might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got the kind of tough-as-nails personality that makes it a gardener’s best friend in arid climates.
What Is Desert Olive?
Desert olive is a perennial shrub that’s as straightforward as its name suggests. This multi-stemmed woody plant typically grows to about 13-16 feet tall, though it usually stays more modest in garden settings. Don’t let the name fool you – it’s not related to the Mediterranean olives you’d find on your pizza. Instead, it’s a true southwestern native that knows how to thrive where water is scarce and summers are scorching.
Where Does Desert Olive Call Home?
This hardy shrub is native to the lower 48 states, specifically making its home across Arizona, California, and New Mexico. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the American Southwest, which means it’s already programmed for success in these regions.
Why You Might Want to Plant Desert Olive
Here’s where desert olive really shines – it’s the ultimate low-maintenance garden companion. Once established, this shrub can handle long dry spells with grace, making it perfect for:
- Xeriscape and desert gardens
- Native plant landscapes
- Low-water-use garden designs
- Areas where you want greenery but minimal fuss
While desert olive won’t stop traffic with showy blooms, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers that native insects appreciate. It’s one of those quiet contributors to your garden’s ecosystem – not flashy, but definitely valuable.
Growing Conditions and Care
Desert olive is surprisingly easy to please, as long as you remember it’s a desert dweller at heart:
- Sunlight: Full sun is where this shrub truly thrives
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – soggy roots are its kryptonite
- Water: Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates occasional deep watering
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA zones 7-10
Planting and Care Tips
Getting your desert olive off to a good start is pretty straightforward:
- Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are more moderate
- Give it some water during its first year to help establish roots
- Once established, water deeply but infrequently
- Prune lightly for shape if desired, but it’s not necessary
- Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
The Bottom Line
Desert olive might not be the star of your garden show, but it’s definitely a reliable supporting actor. If you’re gardening in the Southwest and want a native shrub that won’t demand constant attention, this could be your perfect match. It’s especially valuable for those challenging spots where other plants struggle – think of it as your garden’s problem solver.
While it may not have the dramatic flair of some showier plants, desert olive offers something equally valuable: dependability, drought tolerance, and that satisfying feeling that comes from growing a plant that truly belongs in your landscape.
