Nerium oleander
Common oleander
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Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Nerium oleander (Common oleander) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Apocynaceae family, recognized by Mediterranean species widely naturalized - represents Old World lineage of Apocynaceae establishing in similar climate.
Common oleander is a naturalized shrub found in the Klamath Ranges, northern Sierra Nevada foothills, Sacramento Valley, central and southern California Coast Ranges, southern California, San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, and Peninsular Ranges in highway medians, roadsides, and streamsides at elevations below 700 meters. Flowering from June to September, this plant produces white to yellow to red-purple flowers up to 6 centimeters wide, often appearing in double forms. Growing with dense, upright branching to 4 to 5 meters tall, it features long evergreen stems. Its leaves are linear to oblong-lanceolate, measuring 6 to 20 centimeters long and arranged in whorls along the branches. The fruit develops as an elongated pod reaching 8 to 20 centimeters in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Mediterranean species widely naturalized - represents Old World lineage of Apocynaceae establishing in similar climate
Habitat and range
Habitat: Highway medians, roadsides, streamsides
Elevation: < 700 m
California counties: Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino, El Dorado, Marin, Sacramento, Contra Costa, Butte, Tehama, Napa, Shasta, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Merced
Outside California: Utah, Texas to North Carolina, Florida
Bloom period
Nerium oleander blooms Jun-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Rhaphiolepis: Nerium has narrow leathery leaves in whorls of three; Rhaphiolepis has broader oval leaves arranged alternately.; vs Rhododendron: Nerium has narrow lance-shaped leaves in whorls; Rhododendron has broader oval leaves arranged spirally.; vs Umbellularia: Nerium has narrow leaves in whorls of three and showy flowers; Umbellularia has alternate aromatic leaves and tiny yellow-green flowers.; vs Rosa: Nerium has simple leathery leaves in whorls; Rosa has compound leaves with leaflets and thorny stems.; vs Pelargonium: Nerium is a woody shrub with narrow whorled leaves; Pelargonium has rounded lobed leaves and soft herbaceous stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nerium oleander native to California?
No. Nerium oleander is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Nerium oleander bloom?
Nerium oleander blooms Jun-Sep.
Where in California does Nerium oleander grow?
Nerium oleander occurs in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Diego, Ventura, San Bernardino, El Dorado, Marin and other counties, at elevations of < 700 m.
What plant family does Nerium oleander belong to?
Nerium oleander is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Nerium.
What habitat does Nerium oleander grow in?
Nerium oleander grows in Highway medians, roadsides, streamsides.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.