Desert Olive

Forestiera pubescens

Oleaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native

Last updated March 8, 2026

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

Quick Facts

Height

10 ft

Growth Rate

Moderate

Light

Full Sun

Soil

Wet Tolerant

Water

Moderate

Hardiness

Zone Zones 4a–8b

Bloom Time

Mar 1-Mar 31

Origin

Southwestern US (California, Arizona

Stage	Typical Window	What to Look For
Bud break BBCH 07	Feb 15-Mar 15	Buds swelling and beginning to open; first green tissue visible
Bloom start BBCH 61	Mar 1-Mar 31	First open flowers visible; flowers yellow
Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69	Apr 1-Apr 15	Last petals falling; flower structures fading
Leaf emergence BBCH 11	Mar 1-Apr 1	First leaves fully unfurled on new growth
Fruit/seed development BBCH 71	Jun 1-Aug 31	Fruit or seed structures forming; fruit color: black
Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93	Oct 1-Nov 15	Leaves changing color; fall display beginning
Dormancy BBCH 97	Nov 15-Feb 28	Leafless; no active growth; dormant buds set