Yellow Oleander (Thevetia peruviana): Be-Still Tree with Toxic Beauty

Thevetia peruviana, known as Yellow Oleander, Be-Still Tree, Lucky Nut, or Mexican Oleander, is a small, evergreen tree with glossy, willow-like leaves and showy, yellow, funnel-shaped flowers. All parts are extremely toxic.

Botanical Profile

Culture & Severe Caution

Native to tropical America (Mexico to Peru), this tree grows 10–20 feet tall. The leaves are linear, glossy, spirally arranged. The 2–3 inch flowers are yellow (sometimes peach/apricot), fragrant, blooming year-round in warmth. The fruit is a fleshy drupe with a hard stone ("lucky nut").

It thrives in full sun, well-drained soil, and is drought-tolerant. Hardy in zones 9–11. Extremely toxic—all parts contain cardiac glycosides (thevetin). Ingestion can be fatal. The sap irritates skin. Do not plant where children or pets access. A beautiful but dangerous tree for knowledgeable gardeners only in frost-free zones.