Common Name: Wild Olive

General Information

Forestiera pubescens is a much-branched, deciduous shrub of spreading habit; it usually grows around 180 - 270cm tall, but in good soils with adequate moisture it can reach 4 metres or more[]..
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - California to Colorado and Oklahoma, south to northern Mecico and Texas

Habitat

Dry slopes and ridges; at elevations below 2,000 metres[]. Along stream courses, moist valleys, hillsides, and mesas; at elevations from 900 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Forestiera pubescens is a fairly cold-hardy plant, capable of surviving occasional temperatures down to around -20°c[]. It is well adapted to annual precipitation zones ranging from approximately 225 - 600mm[]. The plant prefers a climate with a growing season of at least 160 frost-free days, though it can tolerate 135 days; it requires a sunny climate with hot summers in order to produce fruit[, ].
Succeeds in most soils[, , ]. Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil[]. Tolerates dry sites[, ]. Prefers a pH in the range 7 - 8.5[].
Flowers are produced in the axils of the previous years leaves[].
Plants can resprout from the base if they are cut back[].

Edible Uses

Fruit[, ]. The fruit is often very bitter[].Although only 4 - 8mm long[], it has been suggested as a substitute for the true olive, Olea europaea[, , ]. (as Forestiera neomexicana)

Medicinal

The leaves are used traditionally by native peoples as a ceremonial emetic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Larger plants growing in the wild are used traditionally as indicators of underground water[].
The plant has interlocking branches and forms dense, almost impenetrable hedges. It has several conservation applications including in windbreaks, shelterbelts and living snowfences; and can also be used for mine land reclamation[].

Other Uses

The juice from the berries, combined with white clay, is used as a purple body paint[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed requires cold stratification for 30 days at 3°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[, ]. Easy.
Cuttings of mature wood, late autumn to late winter in a frame or sheltered outdoor bed.