Forestiera neomexicana, commonly known as Desert Olive, is a deciduous shrub native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico, including chaparral, plains, and desert washes. It typically grows to a height of 18 feet (5 meters) and a width of 12 feet (3.7 meters), with a dense, twiggy form. The plant produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in early spring, followed by small, olive-like fruits that are attractive to wildlife.

Desert Olive is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in challenging environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is also used for erosion control and as a wildlife habitat plant. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, tolerating a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as they are well-drained. It is best suited to full sun conditions but can tolerate partial shade. While generally pest and disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0