Oleander

o-lee-ANNE-der
Botanical Name

Oleander Origin and Meaning

The name Oleander is a girl's name .

The name of this pretty Mediterranean shrub is reminiscent of vintage Olive, and interestingly its etymology appears to overlap too: oleander most likely derives from Greek rhododendron "rose tree", with its form successively influenced by laurea "laurel" and olea "olive tree".

Oleander in Pop Culture

  • "White Oleander" novel by Janet Fitch and later film, in which the main character uses oleander to poison her husband