Narrow-leaf Forestiera

Sun or whole-day dappled shade; in the partial shade, it tends to lean. Semi-evergreen. Narrow-leaf forestiera is a signature fragrance of South Texas, in the early spring days when it is one of the first shrubs to bloom. It has the same 90-degree twig angles as other elbow bushes, but can be distinguished by its dense form and skeletal olive leaves.

Forestiera provides an easygoing native box-shrub shape and nesting opportunities, cover, and fruit for wildlife. Use it on sunny dry sites with well-drained soil; pair with torchwood for a nearly evergreen hedgerow.

Not widely available commercially; find it at specialty native plant growers, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.