New Mexico Privet

New Mexico Privet (Forestiera neomexicana) is a tough and graceful native shrub found in Southern Utah that brings structure, adaptability, and seasonal interest to dry landscapes. With its striking silver-gray bark, lush green leaves, and delicate early-spring flowers, it makes a beautiful specimen or screen in xeric gardens. It’s especially prized for its ability to thrive in poor soils and high desert conditions, while still looking surprisingly lush in full sun.

This plant is dioecious (having separate male and female plants), and if both are present, late-summer fruits will attract birds and other wildlife. Its upright yet airy habit makes it an excellent choice for windbreaks, hedgerows, or privacy screens that won’t overwhelm the space. Whether planted as a focal point or part of a larger native palette, New Mexico Privet is a reliable performer with quiet charisma and strong ecological value.

Photo credit: Agnieszka Kwiecień, license: CC-BY 3.0