Forestiera pubescens, widely known as Stretchberry or Desert Olive, is a deciduous shrub or diminutive tree that originates from the southwestern USA and northern Mexico. It's a highly adaptable species, thriving in a variety of plant communities, making it an excellent choice for your garden. This multi-trunked tree exhibits satiny smooth white bark, bright green leaves that shift to a vivid yellow in fall, and small fragrant yellowish flowers in spring. Male and female flowers develop on separate plants, with male trees being an ideal fit as patio and street trees due to their lack of fruit. Female trees offer a habitat-rich environment producing plenteous blue-black berries relished by birds and other wildlife. Growing rapidly, this tree can reach its full size of 9-12’ tall and 5-8’ wide in full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. They also serve as a beautiful, informal hedge in dry, hot locations, and require minimal watering. Despite the fruit's bitter taste for humans, they are contributing to the nourishment of several creatures. Grow this beneficial beauty of this native Southwest seed today.
