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Oleander

Nerium oleander

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameOleander

DescriptionEvergreen shrub with clusters of showy flowers in pink, white, red, yellow, or peach, blooming year-round in warm climates. Leathery, lance-shaped leaves resemble olive foliage. Extremely drought and heat tolerant, thriving where other plants fail. WARNING: ALL PARTS HIGHLY TOXIC - fatal if ingested by humans, pets, or livestock. Despite toxicity, widely planted for beauty and toughness.

FamilyApocynaceae

GenusNerium

TribeNerieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C(5) A5 G(2)

Ebracteate, radially symmetrical, bisexual, 5 free sepals, 5 fused petals forming funnel, 5 stamens, 2 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features

Name 'Nerium' from Greek 'neros' (water) - grows near streams. 'Oleander' from olive-like leaves. EXTREMELY POISONOUS - contains cardiac glycosides. All parts toxic, even smoke from burning. Single leaf can kill child or pet
Flowers 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, 5 petals, single or double forms. Colors: pink (most common), white, red, yellow, peach, salmon. Fragrant or unscented varieties. Blooms year-round in warm climates, spring-fall elsewhere
Evergreen shrub or small tree. Leathery, narrow leaves 4-6 inches long, dark green, arranged in whorls of 3. Milky sap (toxic). Drought and heat tolerant. Salt tolerant. Pest-free due to toxicity
Grows 6-20 feet (2-6 m) tall, occasionally to 25 feet. Spread 6-10 feet. Lifespan 25+ years. Propagated from cuttings or seeds. Fast-growing. Can be pruned as hedge or tree form
Native to Mediterranean region, North Africa, Middle East. Now planted worldwide in warm climates. Naturalized in southern US, Australia, South America. Thrives in hot, dry areas
Requires full sun (6+ hours). Extremely drought tolerant once established. Tolerates poor soil, salt spray, heat, pollution. Hardy zones 8-11. Minimal care needed. Prune after flowering
DANGER: All parts deadly poisonous. Causes nausea, vomiting, heart arrhythmia, death. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, livestock. Never burn (toxic smoke). Wear gloves when pruning. Keep away from children and pets
Popular highway and median plant (low maintenance). Used as hedge, screen, specimen. Deer and rabbit resistant. Attracts butterflies. Symbolizes caution and beauty. Common in Mediterranean and tropical landscapes

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificNerium oleander

English (Alternate)Rosebay, Rose Laurel, Sweet Oleander, Adelfa, Laurier Rose

Hindiकनेर (Kaner), करवीर (Karavir)

Tamilஅரளி (Arali), அலரி (Alari)

Teluguగన్నేరు (Ganneru), కస్తూరిపత్రి (Kasturipatri)

Malayalamഅരളി (Arali), രക്തകറവി (Raktakaravi)

Kannadaಕಣಗಿಲೆ (Kanagile), ಕನಗಿಲು (Kanagilu)

Sanskritकरवीर (Karavira), कर्णोरः (Kanoraha), हयमार (Hayamara)

Bengaliকরবী (Korobi), রক্তকরবী (Raktakorobi)

FrenchLaurier-rose, Oléandre

RussianОлеандр (Oleandr), Олеандр обыкновенный (Oleandr obyknovennyy)

SpanishAdelfa, Laurel rosa, Baladre

GermanOleander, Rosenlorbeer

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.