Common Name: Texas swamp-privet
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Oleaceae
Zone: 7 to 9
Height: 6.00 to 8.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 25.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Description: Inconspicuous
Sun: Full sun
Water: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Hedge, Naturalize
Flower: Insignificant
Leaf: Evergreen
Attracts: Birds
Fruit: Showy
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in dry, well-draining soils in full sun. Tolerant of heat, drought, wind, high levels of salt, clayey, rocky and alkaline soils. Hardy in Zones 7-9. Leaf retention will depend on climate and growing conditions. Propagate through seeds or cuttings.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Forestiera angustifolia, commonly known as Texas swamp-privet, desert olive, or narrow-leaf forestiera, is a medium to large sized, densely branched, semi-evergreen shrub or small tree native to Mexico and southern Texas. Mature plants will reach 5-15' tall with a similar spread and rounded growth habit. The angular branches have smooth, grey bark are covered in small, slightly rough, bright green leaves. Reaching up to 1" long, the leaves are linear to narrowly spatulate or oblanceolate in shape. Small, inconspicuous, petal-less flowers bloom in spring, typically before leaf emergence, and are an important early season nectar and pollen source for many insect pollinators. The blooms are followed by oval-shaped drupes that mature from green to dark blue-black and are attractive to many bird and mammal species.
The genus name Forestiera honors Charles Le-Forestier (?-1820), French physician and naturalist.
The specific epithet angustifolia means "narrow-leaved" in reference to the shape of the leave of this species.
'Woodlanders Weeping' is a weeping selection of Texas swamp-privet that features pendulous branches and a relatively low but spreading growth habit. Mature plants will reach 6-8' tall with a 20-25' spread.
Problems
No major pest or disease problems of note.
Uses
Dry, sunny spots in mixed borders, native gardens, wildlife gardens, rock gardens, and hillsides. Suitable for screening and xeriscaping.