Plant Details

Cartrema americana

Scientific Name:	Cartrema americana
Common Name:	Wild Olive, Devilwood
Plant Family	Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Native/Alien:	Native
Type:	Large Evergreen Shrub
Bloom Color(s):	whitish to greenish
Size in Feet:	30 - 40 ft
Light:	shade
Bloom Time:	April - May
Bloom Area:	Coast
Habitat Description:	Maritime forests and (in FL, GA, SC, and extreme s. NC) hammocks and other dry, sandy forests well inland, and reported southwards for wet habitats as well.
Notes:	formerly Osmanthus americanus
In winter Wild Olive has lustrous evergreen leaves - the soft shine is distinctive. They are also opposite, or nearly so. An uncommon coastal shrub of maritime forests.
Flowers Wilmington, April 10, 2013
Unripe fruit The fruit is borne on jointed panicles and often persists through winter.
Ripened drupe The fruits ripen to a deep blue color.
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record Bird-Friendly Native Plants