Oleander is a genus of about 40 species of flowering plants native to the Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, Asia, and Africa. Moreover, oleanders are shrubs or small trees that can grow up to 20 feet tall. Furthermore, they have opposite, simple leaves that are lance-shaped or oval. Also, the leaves are green on the upper surface and pale green or white on the underside.
The Flowers
Oleanders produce fragrant, showy flowers that are white, pink, red, or yellow. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the branches. Oleanders bloom in the spring and summer.
Ornamental
Oleanders are popular ornamental plants. Moreover, they are drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soils. Also, they are also relatively pest and disease-free. Furthermore, oleanders are a good choice for xeriscaping and can be used as a foundation plant or in mass plantings.
Oleanders are also used in traditional medicine. The leaves are used to make a tea that is used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and indigestion. The roots are used to make a poultice that is used to treat skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
Oleander is a versatile plant that has a variety of uses. It is a beautiful ornamental plant that is also drought-tolerant and pest-resistant. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
However, oleander is also a highly toxic plant. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, flowers, stems, and roots, contain cardiac glycosides that can be fatal if ingested. Oleander poisoning can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. If you suspect that you or someone you know has ingested oleander, seek medical attention immediately.
Additional Info
Here are some additional information about oleanders:
- Scientific name: Nerium oleander
- Common names: Oleander, rose laurel, oleander-tree, nerium
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Native range: Mediterranean region, Macaronesia, Asia, and Africa
- Habitat: Dry, sunny areas
- Growth habit: Shrub or small tree that can grow up to 20 feet tall
- Leaves: Opposite, simple leaves that are lance-shaped or oval
- Flowers: Fragrant, showy flowers that are white, pink, red, or yellow
- Bloom time: Spring and summer
- Ornamental uses: Popular ornamental plant that is drought-tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soils
- Traditional medicine: Used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments
- Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic and can be fatal if ingested
If you are considering planting oleander, be sure to take the necessary precautions to prevent accidental poisoning. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets, and do not compost any part of the plant. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult with a qualified arborist or poison control center.
Give Snowden Designs a call today at 775-537-8070 and let’s talk about how we can help maintain your oleanders!