oleander

Nerium oleander

Oleander is a beautiful shrub with bright flowers that can be pink, white, or yellow. It grows well in warm places and is often found in gardens and parks.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The oleander is a dense evergreen shrub with leathery, narrow, dark green leaves. It produces abundant clusters of showy, funnel-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, red, or yellow, making it a vibrant addition to many landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusNerium

oleander

Interesting facts

Despite being poisonous, oleander extracts are studied for potential medical uses.

Even the smoke from burning oleander wood can be dangerous to breathe!

Its long, bean-like seed pods eventually split open to release fluffy seeds!

The oleander's scientific name, Nerium, might come from a Greek water nymph!

Special abilities

Oleander has powerful toxic compounds in all its parts that help it defend against being eaten by hungry animals.

Oleander has tough, leathery leaves and deep roots that help it survive with very little water in dry, hot places.

Oleander can grow in salty soils and coastal areas because it has special ways to handle the salt.

Measurements & details

Height: 200-600 cm
Spread: 150-400 cm
Flower Size: 2.5-7 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to Fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: Deadly
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers.

pollinates

Old World swallowtail

Papilio machaon

Visits oleander flowers for nectar.

eats

Oleander aphid

Aphis nerii

Feeds on the sap of oleander leaves and stems.

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Toxic

These plants and animals contain substances that can be harmful if they enter another living being. It's their way of staying safe in the wild.

Poisonous

Be careful around these plants and animals, as they can cause harm if you touch them or eat them! Their defense mechanism protects them from other creatures.