Weeping Desert Olive. We have a closely related rare native species to the Southeast, Forestiera acuminata, but this species is native to Texas. 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. Bob McCartney of Woodlanders and the late Lynn Lowery of Texas found this fascinating weeping form growing in the wild in Calhoun County on the Texas Gulf Coast. It is one of the more incredible "weeping" plants that one will ever find. It is deciduous to semi-evergreen with tiny narrow inch long leaves. Even without foliage, its weeping habit makes it a focal point in the landscape. It is best grown in full sun to part shade, and once established, it will be one of the more drought tolerant plants in your landscape. Expect a height of 3-5 ft. and a spread of up to 6' ft. when mature. This plant is in the Olive family, Oleaceae, so it is a relative of Ligustrum and our native grancy graybeard, Chionanthus virginicus. The apetalous flowers in the spring are not overly showy but are interesting because of their great abundance.
Zones 7b-10
