Devilwood is an uncommon small tree of maritime forests along the coast of North Carolina. In the southeastern corner of NC and further south it also occurs inland.

The evergreen opposite leaves are thick and leathery, with entire margins. The most similar species is the exotic invasive Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), which has shorter, broader, long-pointed leaves.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

The name Devilwood refers to the toughness and unsplittable nature of the wood. Also known as Wild Olive.

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Small white flowers appear in early spring, from late March to mid-April.

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Carteret Co., NC 4/14/07.

Bark of a mature tree. The bark is smooth, with warty lenticels.

Dare Co., NC 3/24/02.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.