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Oleander

How to identify Oleander (Nerium oleander)

Oleander, also known as Nerium

Oleander is a swiftly growing evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching heights of approximately 6.5 to 19.5 feet (2 to 6 meters) and widths of 6 to 10 feet (1.8 to 3 meters). It boasts glossy, sturdy green stems and linear-lanceolate leaves that are oppositely arranged or in whorls of 3 to 4, measuring 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in length and less than an inch (2.5 cm) wide. The plant features conspicuous, terminal clusters of 5-petaled flowers, each 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) across, with fruit manifesting as a pair of splitting follicles. The stems exude a sticky sap when damaged.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Oleander

1

Oppositely arranged or whorled linear-lanceolate leaves, 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long.

2

Terminal clusters of 5-petaled flowers in various colors, 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) across.

3

Slender pair of green follicles, 5-7 inches (12.7-17.8 cm) long, with smooth surface.

4

Sturdy, cane-like stems with thick, glossy green twigs, reaching 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters).

5

Sticky sap exuded by damaged stems enhances identification of the plant.

OleanderOleanderOleanderOleanderOleander

Detailed Traits of Oleander

Leaf Features

The leaves of oleander are linear-lanceolate, arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of 3 or 4 along a woody stem. They are 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) long, sharply acute, and have entire margins. The leathery, dark green leaves are glossy and thick with a prominent, pinnate midrib. They have short petioles, contributing to their rigid appearance.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,
Linear ,
Elliptic

Oleander Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite ,
Whorled

Oleander Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acute

Oleander Leaf Apex image
Leaf Margin

Entire

Oleander Leaf Margin image
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Flower Features

The flowers of oleander are striking and come in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, lilac, purple, orange, salmon, apricot, or yellow. Each flower is five-petaled and can be single or double, featuring a funnelform corolla with a slender tube. The stamens are attached below the throat. Flowers form in terminal clusters known as cymes and bloom from late spring to late summer. These fragrant and showy blossoms greatly enhance the visual appeal of the plant.

Oleander Flower imageOleander Flower image
Corolla Type

Funnelform

Inflorescence Type

Pleiochasium ,
Cymes

Oleander Inflorescence Type image
Learn About the Flower Glossary
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Stem Features

The stems of oleander exhibit a strong, cane-like structure, typically reaching a height of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.6 meters). They are marked by a stout, shiny green appearance, offering a sturdy base for the plant's branching. The twigs are notably thick and robust, adding to the overall toughness of the plant. The stem's color and texture may aid in identification, characterized by their smooth, glossy surface and notable green hue.

Oleander Stem image
Learn About the Stem Glossary
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Fruit Features

The fruit of oleander consists of a slender pair of follicles, each about 5-7 inches (12.7-17.8 cm) in length. These pod-like structures are typically green in color, assuming a drooping position as they mature. The surface texture is smooth, and the capsules are known to split open upon drying. This mechanism is essential for the release of small, fringed seeds equipped with a fluffy appendage, facilitating wind dispersal. Although not overly ornamental, these narrow capsules are a characteristic feature of oleander.

Oleander Fruit image
Fruit Type

Follicle

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Oleander

Attributes of Oleander
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub, Tree
Plant Height
2 m to 6 m
Spread
1.8 m to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Blue
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
White
Red
Pink
Yellow
Orange
Cream
Purple
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Oleander

Family
Dogbane
Icon allow
Genus
Nerium
Icon allow
Species
Oleander (Nerium oleander)
Learn More About the Oleander

Distribution Map of Oleander

Due to centuries of cultivation, it is unknown exactly where oleander comes from, but it certainly is native to the Mediterranean basin. It is now naturalized in many nations around the globe. It prefers to grow along rivers and streams.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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