Forestiera neomexicana, commonly known as New Mexico Privet or Desert Olive, is a deciduous or semi-deciduous shrub native to the Southwestern United States, specifically to riparian woodlands, arroyos, and desert grasslands in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height and width of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters), forming a rounded, dense thicket that can serve as an excellent screen or hedge. The plant features small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge, followed by purple-black berries that are attractive to birds.

New Mexico Privet is valued for its adaptability to a range of soil types, its ability to thrive in full sun or partial shade, and its moderate water requirements once established. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a screen or hedge, and in erosion control. Its ability to be pruned heavily makes it a versatile choice for formal or informal garden settings. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if conditions are too wet. It is also dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are on separate plants, so both sexes are needed for fruit production.CC BY-SA 4.0