Snyder Preserve - Forestiera shrevei
Family: Oleaceae
Compound: For shr
Synonyms: Forestiera phillyreoides
Geographic Origin: southeastern AZ, northern MX
Characteristics: This plant typically grows between 0.9-4.3m (3-14ft) tall and features slender, flexible branches with gray to tan bark. The leaves are simple, linear to narrowly elliptic, and coated with small hairs. Leaves measure up to 5cm (2in) long and are broadly cuneate at the base. Flowers lack obvious petals, instead, vaguely resembling a tuft of hair made up of clusters of yellow filaments tipped with red-brown anthers. Flowers grow in groups of 2-6 and appear early in the spring, before leaf growth. Small, ~3mm (0.10in) dark purple to black olive-like fruits develop by summer.
Natural History: Found in desert washes and rocky slopes from 762-1371m (2,500-4,500ft) in elevation in the Sonoran Desert where it receives monsoon and winter rains with harsh dry periods in between. Being deciduous, it drops its leaves when conditions are unfavorable.
Cultivation Notes: Tolerant of many soil conditions but prefers well-drained soils. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. Propagation is typically done through seeds or softwood cuttings.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Unknown
Citations:
Tumamoc.com. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
SEINet Arizona – New Mexico Chapter. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
