Family: Apocynaceae

Oleander is a flowering shrub with a dense, rounded, upright habit. Oppositely arranged leaves are elongated, 7 inches long by an inch wide. Prolifically blooming, clusters of flowers grow from stout stems, a stunning show of bright colors contrasted with green leaves.

Oleander is wind, salt spray, and drought tolerant. Dropping little to no rubbish, oleander is fast-growing and low maintenance.

* All parts of the plant are poisonous.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Hedge
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening

Plant Dangers:

• Toxic to animals and humans

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized beyond native range (e.g., California)
  
• Environmental weed in Australia & South Africa
  
• Toxic to animals and humans (lethal even in small quantities)
  
• Unpalatable to grazers
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Produces viable, prolific seeds (thousands per plant)
  
• Wind- and water-dispersed seeds
  
• Intentionally spread by people as an ornamental
  
• Tolerates mutilation/coppicing (resprouts readily)
  
• Wide soil tolerance (including salty and alkaline)
  
• Allelopathic potential

Low Risk Traits:

• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• No bird or animal dispersal
  
• No persistent seed bank (seeds germinate rapidly)
  
• Shade intolerant
  
• Narrow climate suitability (USDA zones 8–10)