Oleander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oleander |
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| Nerium oleander in flower | |
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Nerium L.
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N. oleander
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| Nerium oleander |
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Oleander, also known as Nerium oleander, is a beautiful shrub that grows in many parts of the world. It is very popular in gardens because of its lovely pink and other colored flowers. However, it's important to know that every part of the oleander plant is poisonous.
This plant originally comes from places like northern Africa, the eastern Mediterranean region, and parts of southeast Asia. Oleander prefers dry, warm climates and can often be found growing wild in these areas.
Contents
What is Oleander?
Oleander is a type of evergreen shrub or small tree. This means it keeps its leaves all year round. It can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 6 meters (20 feet) high. The leaves are long and narrow, usually a dark green color.
Oleander Flowers and Colors
The flowers of the oleander plant are very striking. They grow in clusters at the end of the branches. While pink is a common color, oleander flowers can also be white, red, or yellow. Some varieties even have flowers with more than one color!
The flowering season usually lasts from spring through summer. This makes oleander a favorite choice for gardens and parks.
Where Oleander Grows Wild
Oleander is native to a wide area. This includes places around the Mediterranean Sea, such as parts of Spain, Italy, and Greece. It also grows naturally in North Africa and across parts of Asia, including India and China.
Oleander's Preferred Climate
This plant is very tough and can handle different conditions. It loves sunny spots and can grow well in dry soils. This is why it's often seen in areas with hot summers and mild winters. It can even survive short periods of frost.
Because it's so hardy, oleander has been planted in many other warm regions around the world. In some places, it has even started to grow wild outside of gardens.
Why Oleander is Used in Gardens
Oleander is a very popular plant for landscaping. People use it for many reasons:
- Beauty: Its colorful flowers and green leaves make gardens look attractive.
- Hardiness: It can grow in tough conditions, like dry soil and hot weather.
- Privacy: Because it grows tall and bushy, it's often used to create hedges or screens for privacy.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it doesn't need a lot of care.
Important Safety Note
Even though oleander is beautiful, it is very important to remember that all parts of the plant are poisonous. This includes the leaves, flowers, stems, and even the smoke from burning oleander. It's best to admire oleander from a distance and never touch or eat any part of it. If you are working near oleander, it's a good idea to wear gloves.
Images for kids
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Detail of the candy-striped corona and feathery style of a single peach-colored flower
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Oleander growing wild in a Libyan wadi
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Oleanders infected with Xylella fastidiosa in Phoenix, AZ
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Oleander shrub, Morocco
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Variegated variety
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White oleander in bloom, Joshua Tree, California
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Oleanders by Vincent van Gogh
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Peach color
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Unusual yellow-flowered variety. Cultivated specimen, Galveston, Texas
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The first oleander planting in Galveston, Texas (1841)
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Red flower
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A follicle spreading seeds
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Pink flowers and leaves
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A small bush
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A small tree
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Flowers of Nerium oleander in West Bengal, India.
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See also
In Spanish: Nerium oleander para niños
