Oleaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Leaves opposite (rarely alternate or whorled ), simple or pinnately compound; no stipules
• Flowers typically bisexual, actinomorphic, with 4 fused petals (sometimes 5 or more, or petals absent); calyx 4- lobed
• Stamens typically 2 (rarely 4), attached to the corolla — a key diagnostic feature
• Ovary superior, 2-carpellate, 2-locular
• Fruit a drupe (olive, privet), samara (ash), capsule (lilac, forsythia), or berry (jasmine)
• Many species strongly fragrant (lilac, jasmine, osmanthus)

Notable Genera

• Olea (olive)
• Fraxinus (ash)
• Syringa (lilac)
• Jasminum (jasmine)
• Forsythia (forsythia)
• Ligustrum (privet)
• Chionanthus (fringetree)
• Osmanthus (osmanthus)

Notes

Economically important for the olive (Olea europaea), one of the oldest cultivated trees and a cornerstone of Mediterranean agriculture and cuisine. Ash trees (Fraxinus) are valued timber species, though devastated in North America by the invasive emerald ash borer. Lilacs and jasmines are among the most popular fragrant ornamental shrubs worldwide. The family is notable for its reduced stamen number (typically just 2), unusual among flowering plants.