New Mexican Privet

New Mexican Privet (Forestiera neomexicana) is a versatile native shrub or small multi-stemmed tree with gray-green foliage, small spring flowers, and dark fruits on female plants. The foliage turns yellow in autumn, and birds use the olive-shaped fruit. [Utah State University](https://extension.usu.edu/botanicalcenter/trees-of-varga-arboretum/new-mexican-privet) and the [New Mexico State Forestry Division](https://www.emnrd.nm.gov/sfd/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/Seedling-list-Spring-2026.pdf) give different mature-size estimates, so allow room for a large shrub and a variable spread. ## Growing Conditions Grow in full sun or part shade; it adapts to many soils, including sandy and clay soils, and prefers alkaline conditions. Water regularly while it establishes, then reduce irrigation; the [Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District profile](https://conservationgardenpark.jvwcd.gov/plants/123/new-mexico-privet) describes it as drought tolerant after establishment. Reported hardiness is USDA zones 4-9. ## Landscape Use Its dense, vase-shaped growth can screen a view or form a windbreak. State forestry guidance also lists it for erosion control and wildlife plantings. ## Maintenance Prune spring-flowering stems after bloom and thin out dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. Avoid removing too much older wood, which supports the shrub’s framework and flowering.