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| Narrow-leaf Forestiera, Desert Olive, Panalero, Elbow Bush, Chaparral Blanco Forestiera angustifolia Oleaceae Narrow-leaf forestiera is an evergreen shrub with stiff, dense branches that come off the stems at a 90 degree angle, forming elbows. The dense, dark green, linear leaves are about 3/4 inch long. It grows in the central, western and southern parts of Texas, and on the Rio Grande Plains in mixed-brush coastal areas or open woodlands, on dry, limey, well-drained soils. Elbow bush is a useful plant for sunny, dry sites, or windy and saline locations. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, and appear before the leaves in early spring, followed by a dark purple, one-seeded berry. Livestock and small mammals browse the twigs and fruit, as do many species of birds. The flowers are an important early source of nectar for bees.
Plant Habit or Use: small shrub Exposure: sun Flower Color: yellow - green Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: dark purple drupe Height: 3 to 8 feet Width: 3 to 8 feet Plant Character: evergreen Heat Tolerance: very high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: alkaline Additional Comments:
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