NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Cartrema americana [= Osmanthus americanus]

Scientific Name:	Cartrema americana [= Osmanthus americanus]
Genus:	Cartrema
Species Epithet:	americana
Common Name:	Wild Olive, Devilwood
Plant Type	Tree/Shrub
Plant Family	Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Native/Alien:	NC Native
Size:	12-36 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	White, Green
Light:	Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Dry, Moist
Bloom Time:	April, May
Growing Area:	Sandhills, Coastal Plain
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.
Leaf Arrangement:	Opposite
Leaf Retention:	Evergreen
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Simple
Wildlife Value:	Not Assigned
Landscape Value:	Recommended and Available
Notes:	formerly Osmanthus americanus Winter food for birds.
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