Common Oleander

Nerium oleander

In the Carolinas and Georgia, frequently cultivated, especially on barrier islands (because of its salt resistance), sometimes persistent or weakly naturalizing. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

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Not native

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Carolina Laurel Cherry
Prunus caroliniana
Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to wet. Flowers: White.
Similar growth form, evergreen or deciduous, light
Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
Sun: Deep shade, Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Somewhat dry to moist. Flowers: Green or white.
Similar growth form, height, spread
Dahoon Holly
Ilex cassine
Sun: Full sun, Partial shade. Soil: Moist to standing water. Flowers: Yellow or white.
Similar growth form, evergreen or deciduous, bloom season

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Recorded in 12 Louisiana parishes.

Ecological relationships

7CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA

Genus host records with ranges including LA · Nerium

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Bloom · “April to July” · Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition (ranked first; USDA PLANTS differs) · Carolinas and Georgia
Flower color · “Cream, yellow, orange, pink or white” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox (ranked first; USDA PLANTS differs)
Foliage color · “Green” · USDA PLANTS · Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary
Fruit begins · “Summer” · USDA PLANTS · Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary
Fruit ends · “Fall” · USDA PLANTS · Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary
Growth habit · “Several stems” · USDA PLANTS · Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary
Growth rate · “Rapid” · USDA PLANTS · Nationwide species characteristics; local growing conditions may vary
Hardiness · “Zones 8a–10b” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “5–19.5 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox (ranked first; USDA PLANTS differs)
Leaves · “Evergreen” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Life cycle · “Woody perennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day); Partial shade (direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Moist; Occasionally dry” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Spread · “6–10 feet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox