Nerium sp.
Oleander, Oleander
Family: Apocynaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Nerium sp. (Oleander) is a non-native California shrub in the Apocynaceae family.
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 sp. native to California?
No. Nerium sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Nerium sp. belong to?
Nerium sp. is in the Apocynaceae family, genus Nerium.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.