Tree
New Mexico Privet
Forestiera pubescens (syn. F. neomexicana)
A tough native large shrub or small tree with pale gray bark and early bee flowers.
- Pollinator
- Native
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 4–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun to Part sun
- Size
- 12–18 ft tall × 10–15 ft wide
- Bloom & interest
- Tiny yellow flowers on bare stems in early spring; blue-black fruit for birds; yellow fall color
- Plant type
- Tree
- Native range
- Native to the Southwest and southern Rockies (NM, CO, UT, AZ, TX, CA, NV, OK)
Why we recommend it
An adaptable native for hedges, screens or a small multi-trunk tree, blooming very early for bees and feeding birds, on almost no water once established.
Best regions: High DesertSouthwestFront RangeGreat Basin
How to grow it
Watering to establish
Water every 1–2 weeks the first two summers; established plants need little or none.
Pruning
Remove lower branches to form a small tree, or shear as a hedge; prune in late winter.
Soil
Adaptable to clay, sand and alkaline soils.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop New Mexico Privet from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
Some links are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Xeriscaping.com may earn a commission at no cost to you. We only list plants we'd actually plant. Affiliate disclosure