Nerium oleander L.

Oleander

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Oleander is an introduced evergreen shrub in the Dogbane family (Apocynaceae). It is native to the Mediterranean region, east through Iran and Indian to southern China. It is widely cultivated and occasionally persist in south Alabama. Oleander is a multi-trunked shrub reaching 15-20 feet in height. Young stems are green and glaucous, older stems have smooth gray bark. Leaves are opposite or whorled, sessile or short petiolate, linear to lanceolate in outline, with entire margins. The leaves are leathery with a prominent mid-vein and numerous lateral veins. The leaves are glabrous and waxy. Flowers are produced in a terminal corymb. The flowers are showy and fragrant. The flowers are funnelform tapering to a cylindrical base with 5 spreading corolla lobes. The stamens are connected to a fringe in the center of the flower. Flower color ranges from red to pink, white, or yellowish. Plants with “doubled” flowers are available in the horticultural trade. The fruit is a follicle with numerous pilose seed. Oleander is cultivated in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. It was a prominent plant in the gardens of ancient civilizations around the Mediterranean. Oleander is drought and salt tolerant, making it a popular plant along beaches. All parts of Oleander are highly toxic to if consumed. Burning of any parts of the plant produce toxic fumes. There are several cases of people being poisoned after using Oleander stems to roast hot dogs or marshmallows while at the beach. Oleander prefers full sun and a well-draining soil. In north Alabama plants are often severely damaged or killed by winter temperature. In these areas, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors for the winter. Plants can be rooted from stem cuttings.--A. Diamond

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Not Native

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