This paper examines the oleander (Nerium oleander), a remarkably adaptable flowering plant native to northern Africa, the eastern Mediterranean Basin, and Southeast Asia. The paper covers the plant's physical characteristics, its ability to thrive across diverse climates, and its widespread use in landscaping — including along major roadways. It also addresses the plant's dual nature: while prized for its colorful blooms, oleander is highly toxic to humans and animals. The paper discusses the dangers of ingestion, the historical use of the plant in medicine dating back to Pliny the Elder, and the FDA's warnings regarding oleander-based supplements, presenting the plant as both beautiful and potentially lethal.
Many plants are grown because they look attractive or because they grow vigorously. Landscapers choose certain species based on their environmental needs. The oleander, or Nerium oleander, has a multitude of uses from both an aesthetic and holistic perspective. Besides serving as an attractive flower for gardens or streets, the plant has been used in medicine and, on occasion, for criminal purposes. This makes it one of the most dynamic plants among all flowering species.
The oleander originated in northern Africa, the eastern Mediterranean Basin, and Southeast Asia. As a non-native plant introduced to other regions, it has had little difficulty adapting. Because the oleander is such a sturdy plant, once it has taken root it is very difficult to remove completely. Due to its high adaptability, the plant can take over an area once established, potentially crowding out native plants where environmental conditions are not in balance.
Oleander can grow up to 20 feet tall but is generally trimmed to less than half that height. Plants can survive extreme heat and humidity, such as in Florida and other parts of the Gulf Coast. The plant can also tolerate extreme cold, surviving temperatures up to fifteen degrees below freezing. It thrives in the most arid of locations as well as in the wettest of climates.
The oleander is an aesthetically pleasing plant with blooms ranging in color from white, red, and pink to various shades of yellow. It has leathery, lance-shaped leaves that can range from four to ten inches in length. The most popular varieties include the "Sister Agnes" flower and the "Luteum Plenum." There are also dwarf varieties of the plant, which grow to only about four feet tall. One of these is the "Petit Salman," a light-pink dwarf cultivar.
Many towns utilize the plant in landscaping, planting hedges of oleander to screen houses from busy main streets. It is well suited for this purpose because of its hardiness. Along Interstate 4 in Orlando, Florida, a substantial stretch of roadway is landscaped with multiple colors of oleander, which has been statistically shown to reduce the stress of commuters during periods of heavy traffic.
"Lethal properties, FDA warnings, and historical medicine"
Even though the oleander has the potential for deadliness, it is still planted very often. It is used to improve otherwise unattractive stretches of road and as fencing to screen unsavory views from otherwise picturesque settings. Oleander can be both beautiful and terrifying, good and evil.
You’re 69% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 1 section.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.