Nerium oleander

Oleander

Family: Apocynaceae
Zone: 8-10                              Average Size: 15' H x 10' W

Identification:

-Simple leaf, narrow, lanceolate, leathery with a prominent midrib, dark green
-Leaves are opposite or whorled around stem
-Terminal clusters of funnel-shaped flowers, white, pink, red and salmon
-Long cane-like stems
-Fruit is a slender green pod

Note:   Widely grown along the Gulf Coast, oleander is a fast growing shrub and often used as a screen or in mass along highways. The showy flowers bloom throughout the summer and into autumn. Oleander is highly adapted to urban growing conditions and can withstand drought, pollution and salt spray. Dwarf forms are available in the nursery trade and make an outstanding small flowering shrub although they appear to be less cold hardy.

Campus Location: Wilson Laboratories, south entry