![]() ![]() It is often multi-trunked, and its colonizing root system may form a thicket in some circumstances. The wax myrtle’s evergreen nature makes it an excellent informal hedge or screening plant. In full sun it will create a dense canopy of foliage, while in shade it will exhibit a looser, more open form. In the homeowner’s yard, the public garden, or the city landscape, the wax myrtle will be at home in every condition from damp to dry soil and from sun to shade. Its versatility as a landscape plant is evidenced by the wide variety of its habitats in the wild, which include dry sandy soils, marshes, upland hardwood forests, pinelands, and swamps. The wax myrtle’s native range includes the coastal plain and piedmont regions of the Southeast from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, and it will perform admirably in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9. The fruits have a waxy coating that colonists employed to make fragrant candles. Though only about 1/8 inch in diameter, they are an attractive bluish-white and are relished by many songbird species, including the bluebird, tree swallow, catbird, myrtle warbler, and the Georgia State Bird, the brown thrasher. However, the fruits that follow on the female plants are one of the plant’s treasured features. The flowers, which are borne on separate male and female plants, are tiny and relatively insignificant. They are quite aromatic when crushed, releasing a pleasant spicy scent. The narrow, evergreen leaves area glossy olive-green and are 2 to 4 inches long and 1/4 to 3/4 inches wide. ![]() You may know its botanical name as Myrica cerifera, however, it has recently been reclassified to the Morella genus. The wax myrtle is a member of the bayberry family, Myricaceae. It will quickly reach heights of 15 to 25 feet, though it may stretch to 40 feet. The wax myrtle is a fine-textured, evergreen shrub or small tree. It is one of the most versatile of our Southeastern landscaping plants, and it offers four seasons of beauty and service. However it can be sheared to fit a space.The Georgia Native Plant Society has selected the wax myrtle ( Morella cerifera) as its 2002 Plant of the Year. It is often used as a screen in an un-pruned shape. It can survive on poor soil and seaside conditions. Wax Myrtle can withstand damp locations and summer drought. Sun or partial shade is best, but it will survive in almost full shade. Berries are noted in September - October. They are small, yellow and inconspicuous.įruit are ¼” wide purple to black colored berries that are covered with a white waxy bloom. When crushed the leaves have an aromatic, spicy scent.įlowers appear in the late spring through early summer on both the male and female trees. Leaves typically point upward and are clustered at the terminal ends of the branches. They are typically 4” in length, having a narrow lanceolate shape. Leaves are a lustrous green color in spring, but fade to a darker green during the summer. It features many upright stems which are arranged in a rather loose fashion. It can also be pruned into an attractive small tree.īroadleaf evergreen shrub that can ultimately grow to 30’ tall and 20’ wide if it is not pruned. ![]() ![]() Description The Pacific Wax Myrtle's dense bushy form, rapid growth and glossy green leaves make it a popular shrub for screening. ![]()
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