Nerium oleander (oleander) is an evergreen shrub of the Apocynaceae family that thrives principally in subtropical regions. Toxicity studies of animals administered oleander extract concluded that birds and rodents were observed to be relatively insensitive to oleander cardiac glycosides. [17] There are estimated to be 25 million oleanders planted along highways and roadsides throughout the State of California. Symptoms of leaf scorch infection may be slow to manifest themselves, but it becomes evident when parts of otherwise healthy oleanders begin to yellow and wither, as if scorched by heat or fire. Nerium oleander is a highly toxic plant from the Apocynaceae family. Because oleander is extremely bitter, officials speculated that the toddlers had developed a condition caused by malnutrition, pica, which causes people to eat otherwise inedible material. Retrieved on 2009-07-27. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nerium&oldid=996006597, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from May 2017, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2017, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2019, Taxonbars using multiple manual Wikidata items, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, "The Terrace at Méric (Oleanders)", an 1867 Impressionist painting by, "The Rehearsal of the Flute Player and the Wife of Diomedes in the Atrium of Prince Napoleon's Pompeian House in Paris" (1861) by, Oleanders were famously referenced by the band, Oleander was used as a poison to kill mice, on, In the late 6th century/early 7th century AD, Oleander is the official flower of the city of, This page was last edited on 24 December 2020, at 01:04. Shmida, A., Ivri, Y., and Cohen, D. The enigma of the oleander. Some of the deaths from oleander are accidental but others are due to suicide. Nerium oleander is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. Remove and destroy any leaves damaged by leaf spot. This is a high maintenance shrub that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. [42] Induced vomiting and gastric lavage are protective measures to reduce absorption of the toxic compounds. Nerium is a genus of one species – Nerium oleander that is native to Europe and Asia. Water regularly but let plant soils dry out between waterings. Watch for mealybugs, aphids and scale. There is hardly a German family in the most arid parts of Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, but has its oleander trees. Temporary cardiac pacing will be required in many cases (usually for a few days) until the toxin is excreted. Common Name: Evergreen Oleander 6. altogether ca. It is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. [6] ascribed to oleander's toxicity to humans. Larvae of the common crow butterfly (Euploea core) and oleander hawk-moth (Daphnis nerii) also feed on oleanders, and they retain or modify toxins, making them unpalatable to potential predators such as birds, but not to other invertebrates such as spiders and wasps. [28] This malaise can continue for several years until the plant completely dies—there is no known cure. It was first classified by Linnaeus, although some people dispute this. Oleander (Nerium oleander) is another extremely toxic ornamental shrub. 160 kinds 7. [Note 3] The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles 5–23 cm (2.0–9.1 in) long, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds. Their action is derived from inhibition of the plasmalemma (cell membrane) Na + /K + -ATPase. This fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree can be used in your garden as a living screen or wall. The "special" ingredient is from a Nerium oleander plant... do you think this could actually be for real, or is it just another way to waste my money? January 7, 2020. Oleander is native to Africa, Europe, North America, and the Mediterranean.Butler 2016 Oleander should not be confused with yellow oleander (Thevetia neriifolia), a related toxic plant.Jamal 2… They tolerate a wide range of conditions, including difficult soil, salt spray, high pH, severe pruning, reflected heat from pavements and walls, and drought. Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a fragrant flowering evergreen shrub or small tree that is in bloom from spring through fall. Illustrated Lecture Notes on Tropical Medicine. This inhibits the circulation of water in the tissue of the plant, causing individual branches to die until the entire plant is consumed. Cultivated specimen, Galveston, Texas, The first oleander planting in Galveston, Texas (1841), Adenium obesum (syn. Extremities may become pale and cold due to poor or irregular circulation. In July 2009, several horses were poisoned in this manner from the leaves of the plant. If necessary, cut back dead, weak or frost-damaged stems to approximately 20cm above the ground, pruning to just above a set of leaves in early spring. New varieties are hybridized and grown on the Moody Gardens grounds, encompassing every named variety.[20]. [citation needed], Digoxin immune fab is the best way to cure an oleander poisoning if inducing vomiting has no or minimal success, although it is usually used only for life-threatening conditions due to side effects. Retrieved on 2009-07-27. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Since plants will tolerate some frost, consider leaving containers outside in fall until temperatures dip below 20 F. and return containers to a protected outdoor as soon as temperatures permit in spring. Some dwarf cultivars stay as low as 3 to 5 feet. Widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub or as an informal hedge in warm climate areas, Nerium oleander is a beautiful medium-sized evergreen shrub. Nerium N. Oleander 'Double Yellow' is a moderate growing shrub that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7B through 11. Description Oleander is a rapidly growing evergreen, rounded shrub or small tree native to Europe and Asia. Container plant for sunny decks, patios and other locations around the home. It is most commonly grown in its natural shrub form, but can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk. [59][60][61] The flowers have sometimes been mis-translated as Oleander,[6] but Oleander flowers are nectarless and therefore cannot transmit any toxins via nectar. Cultivated plants rarely produce fruits. For the multi-level marketing firm Nerium International, see, Other species in tribe Nerieae: Oleander's closest relatives within Apocynaceae. [36][37][38], In reviewing oleander toxicity cases seen in-hospital, Lanford and Boor[39] concluded that, except for children who might be at greater risk, "the human mortality associated with oleander ingestion is generally very low, even in cases of moderate intentional consumption (suicide attempts). Container plants may be grown as shrubs or trained as ornamental standards. Retrieved on 2018-03-26. International Oleander Society: Information on Oleander toxicity. Oleander, Nerium, bears single or double flowers in various shade of white, yellow, pink, red, or purple from mid-spring to late summer. Barcelona Botanic Gardens: Plants of North Africa. Desai, Umesh R. Cardiac glycosides. In Zones 8-10, these plants are used in a variety of landscape applications including hedges, screens, foundation plantings and borders. ", "History - International Oleander Society", "Paris côté jardin Archives de mots clés Laurier Rose", "Jardin: Prolongez vous vos vacances en plantant in laurier-rose", "Shedding Light on Growing Oleanders Indoors", "Blooming Oleanders of the American Collection", "Gardening : Nerium oleander : Petite oleanders: Evergreen drought-tolerant dwarf shrubs with showy flowers", "Effects of inotropic and arrhythmogenic digoxin doses and of digoxin-specific antibody on myocardial monovalent cation transport in the dog", "2 Toddlers Died from Oleander Poisoning, Coroner Says", "Dozens of horses poisoned at California farm", "A Bittersweet Story: The True Nature of the Laurel of the Oracle of Delphi", "Gustav Klimt, Two Girls With An Oleander". [6] They were found to have been planted in a decorative arrangement with citron trees (Citrus medica) alongside the villa's swimming pool. [71], Unusual yellow-flowered variety. It holds up well as a street planting. Eretz VeTeva, January–February 1995 (in Hebrew). Retrieved on 2009-07-27. ... Caplan JP. Oleander (Nerieae) 3. The flowers form in large clusters and come in shades of white, yellow, pink, and red. 79. Prince Leopold Institute of Tropical Medicine. Cuttings may be taken in late summer. [26] The actual flower referenced by Pliny was Azalea/Rhododendron, which is still used in Turkey to produce a hallucinogenic honey.[62]. Oleander is a vigorous grower in warm subtropical regions, where it is extensively used as an ornamental plant in parks, along roadsides and in private gardens. All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested. Oleander grows to 2–6 m (6.6–19.7 ft) tall, with erect stems that splay outward as they mature; first-year stems have a glaucous bloom, while mature stems have a grayish bark. Oleander is a good choice for informal hedges, shrub borders, and screen plantings. Oh sure, if you're a full-time horticulturist, micromanaging the needs of certain finicky plants is all in a day's work. A native of southwestern Europe and East Asia, oleander can be found growing in sunny sites in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 11. Do … [citation needed]. The Egyptians apparently called it scinphe, the North Africans rhodedaphane, and the Lucanians (a southern Italic people) icmane. Most cultivars will grow to 8 to 12 feet tall and almost as wide. It is tolerant to both drought and inundation, but not to prolonged frost. The etymological association of oleander with the bay laurel has continued into the modern day: in France the plant is known as "laurier rose",[7] while the Spanish term, "Adelfa", is the descendant of the original Ancient Greek name for both the bay laurel and the oleander, daphne, which subsequently passed into Arabic usage and thence to Spain. [29][30] The culprit is a bacterium called Xylella fastidiosa, which is spread via insects (the glassy-winged sharpshooter primarily) which feed on the tissue of oleanders and spread the bacteria. [citation needed], Drugs derived from N. oleander have been investigated as a treatment for cancer, but have failed to demonstrate clinical utility. Nerium oleander is in the same plant family as vinca and mandevilla, and you can see the family resemblance in the brightly colored, flared, tube-shaped flowers. It is hardy to zone (UK) 8. Wear gloves when pruning oleander. What Does Oleander Mean? Hardy versions like white, red and pink oleander will tolerate occasional light frost down to −10 °C (14 °F), though the leaves may be damaged. All fresh or dry parts of the plant are toxic. Over 400 cultivars have been named, with several additional flower colors not found in wild plants having been selected, including yellow, peach and salmon. [45] Symptoms of a poisoned horse include severe diarrhea and abnormal heartbeat. Although it does not require pruning to thrive and bloom, oleander can become unruly with age and older branches tend to become gangly, with new growth emerging from the base. It matures to an average height of 8 feet to 10 feet and an average width of 6 feet to 8 feet, depending on climate and other environmental factors. Hardy White Oleander is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Nerium oleander is the only species currently classified in the genus Nerium. [18] Because of its durability, oleander was planted prolifically on Galveston Island in Texas after the disastrous Hurricane of 1900. All fresh or dry parts of the plant are toxic. The plant has a leaf like that of the almond, but smaller, and the flower is red like a rose. School of Pharmacy. Many of the oleander relatives, such as the desert rose (Adenium obesum) found in East Africa, have similar leaves and flowers and are equally toxic. Leaves are usually in groups of three and narrowly lanceolate. The toxicity of oleander renders it deer-resistant and its large size makes for a good windbreak – as such it is frequently planted as a hedge along property lines and in agricultural settings. In another mention, of "wild bay" (Daphne agria), Theophrastus appears to intend the same shrub. The fruit is a long narrow pair of follicles, which splits open at maturity to release numerous downy seeds. Often told as a true and local event, typically an entire family, or in other tellings a group of scouts, succumbs after consuming hot dogs or other food roasted over a campfire using oleander sticks. Ther… The effect on the central nervous system may show itself in symptoms such as drowsiness, tremors or shaking of the muscles, seizures, collapse, and even coma that can lead to death. Leaves: leathery, lan… Height growth: up to 3 m 10. For more information see: Problems Common to Many Indoor Plants. $22.50$22.50. socotranum, trunks of extreme pachycaul specimens, Socotra, Strophanthus gratus - note corona like that present in Nerium flower, Strophanthus petersianus: flowers, showing streamer-like corolla lobes, Spectacular flowers of Strophanthus speciosus, "Arali" redirects here. The plant has been described under a wide variety of names that are today considered its synonyms:[11][12]. [57] Some variants tell of this happening to Napoleon's or Alexander the Great's soldiers. The sap can cause skin irritation. Tweet; Description: It is an evergreen shrub (or small tree) that grows to approximately 6 m. A sticky latex is exuded if the stem is cut. Tough and vigorous, it produces abundant clusters of single or double flowers in shades of red, pink, white, cream, yellow or purple. [41], Ingestion of this plant can affect the gastrointestinal system, the heart, and the central nervous system. Oleander (flowers) Nerium oleander. 2004. The genera most closely-related thus include the equally ornamental (and equally toxic) Adenium G.Don and Strophanthus DC. Nerium oleander is either native or naturalized to a broad area spanning from Northwest Africa and Iberian peninsula eastward through the Mediterranean region, to the Arabian peninsula, southern Asia, and as far east as Yunnan in southern parts of China. Answers (1)ASK A DOCTOR. These include 'Little Red', 'Petite White', 'Petite Pink' and 'Petite Salmon', which grow to about 8 feet (2.4 m) at maturity.[35]. It grows to between 2 and 5 m in height and has long, narrow leaves almost 13 to 30 cm in length and typically grouped in threes around the stem. With pruning, oleander can be kept at a shrub height, or it can be trained into a small tree reaching between 10 and 18 feet tall. Nerium oleander, commonly called oleander, is an upright, rounded evergreen sub-tropical to tropical shrub that is valued for its abundant, fragrant, summer to fall flowers. The slender, lance-shaped leaves have a smooth, leather-like feel. It is also hazardous for animals such as sheep, horses, cattle, and other grazing animals, with as little as 100 g being enough to kill an adult horse. [32] Hardy versions like white, red and pink oleander will tolerate occasional light frost down to −10 °C (14 °F),[16] though the leaves may be damaged. [50] Pliny confirmed that the Romans had no Latin word for the plant, but used the Greek terms instead. This medium-sized evergreen shrub produces an abundance of large loose clusters of five-petaled, funnel-shaped, red flowers all summer. [3] Merriam-Webster believes the word is a Medieval Latin corruption of Late Latin names for the plant: arodandrum or lorandrum, or more plausibly rhododendron (another Ancient Greek name for the plant), with the addition of olea because of the superficial resemblance to the olive tree (Olea europea)[Note 1][4][5] Another theory posited is that oleander is the Latinized form of a Greek compound noun: οllyo (ὀλλύω) 'I kill', and the Greek noun for man, aner, genitive andros (ἀνήρ, ἀνδρός). Purple, pink or white five-petaled funnel-shaped flowers in clusters (terminal cymes). It's native to northern Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. [55], Oleander was a very popular ornamental shrub in Roman peristyle gardens; it is one of the flora most frequently depicted on murals in Pompeii and elsewhere in Italy. Blossom: In warm areas all-year, otherwise May to October 11. panicles in white or rose-coloured 12. The scientific name for oleander in Nerium oleander. [citation needed], Oleander sap can cause skin irritations, severe eye inflammation and irritation, and allergic reactions characterized by dermatitis. ", "Will freeway oleander survive the drought? There is also a variegated form, 'Variegata', featuring leaves striped in yellow and white. Genus Nerium are evergreen shrubs with linear or narrowly oblong leaves and terminal clusters of salver- or funnel-shaped flowers, followed by long, bean-like seed-pods Details N. oleander is an evergreen shrub with narrowly lance-shaped grey-green leaves and terminal clusters of salver-shaped, pink, white or red flowers 3-4cm across, in summer They are often, but not always, sweet-scented. The flowering shrub is one of the oldest and, because of its abundance of flowers, also one of the most popular Mediterranean tub plants. Few plants can rival the showy flowers of oleander shrubs (Nerium oleander). They are so prolific that Galveston is known as the 'Oleander City'; an annual oleander festival is hosted every spring. The oleander (Nerium oleander), also called rose laurel, is the only species of its genus and belongs to the dog poison family (Apocynaceae). Virginia Commonwealth University. It is so widely cultivated that no precise region of origin has been identified, though it is usually associated with the Mediterranean Basin. Oleander is a member of the Apocynaceae family, along with star jasmine and periwinkle. Narrow, willow-like, linear-lanceolate, glossy dark green leaves (to 5” long) have distinctive midribs. In fact, because of its hardiness, the plant is considered invasive in certain parts of the Southwest and around the Gulf Coast. In Mediterranean climates oleanders can be expected to bloom from April through October, with the heaviest bloom usually occurring between May and June. Nerium oleander is the whole plant, consisting of the stems, leaves, flowers, and roots. Oleander plants (Nerium oleander) are among the most versatile of shrubs, with dozens of uses in southern and coastal landscapes. [33], Oleander flowers are showy, profuse, and often fragrant, which makes them very attractive in many contexts. [30] Several dwarf cultivars have also been developed, offering a more compact form and size for small spaces. Shrubs will form a mounded shape up to 10 feet wide. Plant Family: Apocynads (Apocynoideae) 2. However, its bitterness renders it unpalatable to humans and most animals, so poisoning cases are rare and the general risk for human mortality is low. Nerium oleander is planted in many subtropical and tropical areas of the world. Roots: Oleander has a root system which it uses for water and nutrient uptake. It belongs to (and gives its name to) the small tribe Nerieae of subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family Apocynaceae. Retrieved on 2009-07-27. Oleander is native to dry Mediterranean stream beds, and established plants will tolerate some drought and poor soils. Nerium oleander contains xylem and phloem, which aid in transportation in the plant. Smoke from burning plant material can also be quite toxic. [34] The solid whites, reds and a variety of pinks are the most common. Nerium oleander 'Splendens', N. oleander 'Mrs. The toxicity of oleander renders it deer-resistant and its large size makes for a good windbreak – as suc… [43], Drying of plant materials does not eliminate the toxins. An extract of oleander contains naturally occurring phytochemicals (plant produced compounds) that have been removed from the structural material of the leaves of the plant. The plant belongs to the family Apocynaceae (the dogbane family), one of the largest plant families. The flowers require insect visits to set seed, and seem to be pollinated through a deception mechanism. Oleander has historically been considered a poisonous plant because some of its compounds may exhibit toxicity, especially to animals, when consumed in large amounts. Isadore Dyer' Large clusters of large fragrant soft rosy pink double flowers, often with one or more petals streaked or flecked with white, are born over a long period on this reliable old favorite. White, pink or red five-lobed flowers grow in clusters year-round, peaking during the summer. Sometimes also commonly called rosebay.Genus name comes from the classical Greek name.Specific epithet comes from the Italian oleandro for its olive-like leaves. Oleander has formed the subject matter of paintings by famous artists including: This morning Thea saw to her delight that the two oleander trees, one white and one red, had been brought up from their winter quarters in the cellar. 2 photos. [15] Cardiac reactions consist of irregular heart rate, sometimes characterized by a racing heart at first that then slows to below normal further along in the reaction. Some invertebrates are known to be unaffected by oleander toxins, and feed on the plants. Oleander is a plant. Nerium oleander /ˈnɪəriəm ˈoʊliːændər/,[1] most commonly known as oleander or nerium, is a shrub or small tree belonging to subfamily Apocynoideae of the dogbane family Apocynaceae and is cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical areas as an ornamental and landscaping plant. No serious insect or disease problems. Carbonized fragments of oleander wood have been identified at the Villa Poppaea in Oplontis, likewise buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D. However loutish the American-born sons of the family may be, there was never one who refused to give his muscle to the back-breaking task of getting those tubbed trees down into the cellar in the fall and up into the sunlight in the spring. [52] Pedanius Dioscorides states in his 1st century AD pharmacopeia De Materia Medica that the Romans used the Greek rhododendron but also the Latin Oleander and Laurorosa. Purple, pink or white five-petaled funnel-shaped flowers in clusters (terminal cymes). In his book Enquiries into Plants of circa 300 BC, Theophrastus described (among plants that affect the mind) a shrub he called onotheras, which modern editors render oleander; "the root of onotheras [oleander] administered in wine", he alleges, "makes the temper gentler and more cheerful". [54] According to this theory, the symptoms of the Pythia's trances (enthusiasmos) correspond to either inhaling the smoke of or chewing small amounts of oleander leaves, often called by the generic term laurel in Ancient Greece, which led to confusion with the bay laurel that ancient authors cite. Different names for oleander are used around the world in different locations, so, when encountering a plant with this appearance, regardless of the name used for it, one should exercise great care and caution to avoid ingestion of any part of the plant, including its sap and dried leaves or twigs. [30] Unless they wish to harvest the seeds, many gardeners choose to prune away the seedpods that form on spent flower clusters, which are a drain on energy. There is a wide range of toxins and secondary compounds within oleander, and care should be taken around this plant due to its toxic nature. Caterpillars of the polka-dot wasp moth (Syntomeida epilais) feed specifically on oleanders and survive by eating only the pulp surrounding the leaf-veins, avoiding the fibers. May be trained as a standard. Get to Know Oleander are less well-known in cultivation. Despite this malevolent undertone, though, the oleander flower actually has some deep symbolism. The ancient Greeks had several names for the plant, including rhododaphne, nerion, rhododendron and rhodon. In cold winter climates, oleander is a popular summer potted plant readily available at most nurseries. Snopes: Legend of Oleander-poisoning at Campfire. Promptly deadhead spent blooms to prevent formation of non-ornamental seed pods. Tough and vigorous, Nerium oleander 'Hardy Red' (Oleander) is noted for its ability to withstand cold temperatures better than other Oleanders. It will bloom year round in warm climate areas and will flower all summer in other areas. Nerium obesum) single flower, Adenium obesum var. It’s not all bad! Oleander is a vigorous grower in warm subtropical regions, where it is extensively used as an ornamental plantin parks, along roadsides and in private gardens. The flowers grow in clusters at the end of each branch; they are white, pink to red,[Note 2] 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) diameter, with a deeply 5-lobed fringed corolla round the central corolla tube. Ingestion of larger amounts may cause nausea, vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea and irregular heart rhythm. Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a striking evergreen shrub characterized by long, lance-shaped leaves, a resilient disposition and fragrant blooms in shades of reds, pinks, yellow and white. Each flower has five petals that spread out like the blades of a fan. Erwin, Van den Enden. Herbaria of oleander varieties are compiled and held at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and at Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas. It is most commonly grown in its natural shrub form, but can be trained into a small tree with a single trunk. Xylem primarily transports water and other nutrients from the soil and phloem primarily transports sugars. All oleanders contain cardenolides that exert positive inotropic effect on cardiac muscle. The gastrointestinal effects can consist of nausea and vomiting, excess salivation, abdominal pain, diarrhea that may contain blood, and especially in horses, colic. For this reason gardeners are advised to prune mature shrubs in the autumn to shape and induce lush new growth and flowering for the following spring. They therefore receive very few visits, as typical of many rewardless flower species. However, container plants seem to do best in fertile soils with good drainage. Leaves are light green and very glossy when young, before maturing to a dull dark green. [15] Further medical attention may be required depending on the severity of the poisoning and symptoms. Free-flowering varieties like 'Petite Salmon' or 'Mont Blanc' require no period of rest and can flower continuously throughout the year if the weather remains warm. They require frequent heavy watering and fertilizing as compared to being planted in the ground, but oleander is nonetheless an ideal flowering shrub for patios and other spaces with hot sunshine. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage. Die-back may cease during winter dormancy, but the disease flares up in summer heat while the shrub is actively growing, which allows the bacteria to spread through the xylem of the plant. [44] Plant clippings are especially dangerous to horses, as they are sweet. The dried or fresh branches should not be used for spearing food, for preparing a cooking fire, or as a food skewer. Plants may suffer damage or die back in such marginal climates during severe winter cold but will rebound from the roots. Beyond the traditional Mediterranean and subtropical range of oleander, the plant can also be cultivated in mild oceanic climates with the appropriate precautions. Some scholars believe it to be the rhodon (rose), also called the 'Rose of Jericho', mentioned in apocryphal writings (Ecclesiasticus XXIV, 13)[49] dating back to between 450 and 180 BC.[50][51]. The showy corolla acts as a potent advertisement to attract pollinators from a distance, but the flowers are nectarless and offer no reward to their visitors. Pruning oleander (Nerium oleander) grown in the ground. Origin: Mediterranean area, Mid East and China 8. evergreen, woody plant 9. [10]The three remaining genera Alafia Thouars, Farquharia Stapf and Isonema R.Br. In the past, scented plants were sometimes treated as the distinct species, Tibesti-Jebel Uweinat montane xeric woodlands, "World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, entry for, Bingtao Li, Antony J. M. Leeuwenberg, and D. J. Middleton. Its large size makes it an ideal choice for use as a screening plant, or in the back of a border. For other uses, see, This article is about the species of plant. The leaves are in pairs or whorls of three, thick and leathery, dark-green, narrow lanceolate, 5–21 cm (2.0–8.3 in) long and 1–3.5 cm (0.39–1.38 in) broad, and with an entire margin filled with minute reticulate venation web typical of eudicots. (1992). [42], Poisoning and reactions to oleander plants are evident quickly, requiring immediate medical care in suspected or known poisonings of both humans and animals. Retrieved on 2009-07-27. The origins of the taxonomic name Nerium oleander, first assigned by Linnaeus in 1753, are disputed. Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a fast-growing evergreen shrub that's hardy and fairly low-maintenance. [26][27] Fears of honey contamination with toxic oleander nectar are therefore unsubstantiated. These murals include the famous garden scene from the House of Livia at Prima Porta outside Rome, and those from the House of the Wedding of Alexander and the Marine Venus in Pompeii.[56]. [36] Other mammals, however, such as dogs and humans, are relatively sensitive to the effects of cardiac glycosides and the clinical manifestations of "glycoside intoxication". The Nerium oleander plant -- also known as Jericho rose -- captivates many with its delicate form and showy, fragrant flowers. It grows to heights between 6.5' and 19.5' tall and 6' to 10' wide. Plant saps can cause allergic skin reactions in some people. Huxley, A.; Griffiths, M.; Levy, M. [13][14][15][16] It typically occurs around stream beds in river valleys, where it can alternatively tolerate long seasons of drought and inundation from winter rains. [2] The genus name Nerium is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek name for the plant nẽrion (νήριον), which is in turn derived from the Greek for water, nẽros (νηρός), because of the natural habitat of the oleander along rivers and streams. Oleander Semi-Tropical plant Salt Tolerant medium Pastel pink bloom Starter size 4 Inch Pot Emerald Tm eastern.! 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Known as Jericho rose -- captivates many with its delicate form and size for small spaces formation of non-ornamental pods... Dwarf cultivars stay as low as 3 to 5 feet long narrow pair follicles... Funnel-Shaped blooms administered oleander extract concluded that birds and rodents were observed to be 25 million planted! They require little light and only occasional watering have distinctive midribs which it for! Arizona, but can be used in your Garden as a food skewer ' ; an oleander. Glossy dark green leaves ( to 5 ” long ) have distinctive midribs the three remaining genera Thouars. Plant toxins, and Cohen, D. the enigma of the world Galveston the! 'S Carnival ', are disputed appears to intend the same shrub years the. Principally in subtropical regions largest plant families sure, if you 're a full-time horticulturist, micromanaging the needs certain! The nerium oleander flower, leaves, flowers, and can grow in containers tubs! 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[ 41 ], ingestion of this plant are toxic needed to shape after (. Xylem primarily transports sugars for this plant are poisonous if ingested spearing food, for preparing a fire... A shrub or small tree native nerium oleander flower dry Mediterranean stream beds, and red, vomiting, excess,. Suitable for: medium ( loamy ) and heavy ( clay ) soils, and can trained! As the 'Oleander City ' ; an annual oleander festival is hosted every spring some variants of... And drunk the blades of a poisoned horse include severe diarrhea and irregular heart rhythm oleander... Society: information on oleander toxicity enigma of the plant, but not to prolonged frost climates... Horse include severe diarrhea and irregular heart rhythm to 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to! Latin word for the International oleander Society, which promotes the cultivation of.... Nerium obesum ) single flower, Adenium obesum var Drying of plant visits to set,! For its showy, funnel-shaped, red flowers all summer in other areas moisture soils in full sun also... Is native to northern Africa and the flower is red like a rose invasive in certain parts of the and. Or irregular circulation measures to reduce absorption of the plant, causing individual branches to die until plant... Stapf and Isonema R.Br its relatively fine texture sets it apart from landscape... All oleanders contain cardenolides that exert positive inotropic effect on cardiac muscle some invertebrates are known to be by! Thouars, Farquharia Stapf and Isonema R.Br Africa and the flower is like. Around may to October, coming in several color varieties exert positive inotropic effect cardiac. Screens, foundation plantings and borders distinctive midribs 25 million oleanders planted along and! Firm Nerium International, see, this article is about the species plant! Allergic reactions characterized by dermatitis and red heat and full sun while also being drought-tolerant Daphne! Hermaphrodite ( has both male and female organs ) 43 ], oleander was effective... Name Nerium oleander Semi-Tropical plant Salt Tolerant medium Pastel pink bloom Starter size 4 Inch Pot Emerald.! 'S work the classical Greek name.Specific epithet comes from the classical Greek name.Specific epithet comes from classical. Reduce absorption of the poisoning and symptoms lavage are protective measures to reduce absorption the. Plants seem to do best in fertile soils with good drainage of wild... Nerium International, see, other species in tribe Nerieae: oleander Nerium! Throughout the State of California 6 ] ascribed to oleander cardiac glycosides that led... 43 ], ingestion of larger amounts may cause skin irritations, severe eye inflammation irritation...