Pacific Waxmyrtle

Scientific Name: Morella californica (Cham. & Schlecht.) Wilbur
Synonym: Myrica californica
Family: Myricaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 4-6,14-17,20-24

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Pacific coast of the USA, from California to Washington state

Growth Habits: Large evergreen shrub or small tree, up to 40 feet tall (12 m); narrow, dark green leaves, 2 to 4 inches long (5-10 cm), 0.5 to 0.8 inch wide (1.2-2 cm), fragrant when crushed

Watering Needs: Tolerates some aridity

Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, layering in summer

Blooming Habits:
Separate male and female catkins, 0.5 to 1 inch long (1.2-2.5 cm), borne in the leaf axils, in April to July.

Fruiting Habits:
Small, dark purple to light gray, waxy drupes, with one seed, 4 mm in diameter, usually borne in small, tight clusters at the base of leaves, in September or October. They are eaten by the birds.