Wax Myrtle

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Origin: Southeastern USA, northern Mexico

Growth Habits: Large evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 15 to 20 feet tall (4.5-6 m) or more; alternate, spathulate, toothed, dark olive green, shiny leaves, 1.6 to 5 inches long (4-12 cm), 0.25 to 0.75 inch wide (0.6-1-8 cm), fragrant when crushed, with pale green underside, yellow resin dots on both surfaces

Watering Needs: Moderate to regular water; tolerates drought and salt

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, and layering.

Propagation: Seed or occasionally cutting

• by semi-hardwood stem tip cuttings, in early summer. Apply IBA Quick Dip 5000 PPM. Use intermittent mist.
• by seeds, in spring. The seeds can be harvested in autumn. The seeds need stratify 40F 2-3mo..

As Myrica cerifera, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 1: 585. Courtesy of Kentucky Native Plant Society

The genus name 'Myrica', still often used for this species is the antique name for the unrelated tamarisk tree.

Blooming Habits:
The Wax Myrtle is dioecious, the small flowers appear as catkins at the leaf axils, in spring.

Fruiting Habits:
Round, waxy bluish-white bayberry-scented drupes, 0.12 inch in diameter (3 mm), appearing in clusters close to the stems. The wax from the fruit has been used in candle-making. The fruit is popular with many different bird species.