Pacific Wax Myrtle
(Morella californica)
Pacific Wax Myrtle (Morella californica)
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joergmlpts
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joergmlpts
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CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: joergmlpts | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: joergmlpts | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-07-14T11:23:53-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Morella californica, commonly known as Pacific Wax Myrtle, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coastal regions of the Western United States and British Columbia, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including coastal bluffs, riparian zones, and wetlands. It typically grows to a height of 2–10 meters with a dense, multi-stemmed habit, making it an excellent choice for privacy screens and hedges. The leaves are glossy, dark green, serrated, and aromatic, releasing a spicy scent when warmed by the sun. The inconspicuous flowers, which bloom in spring, are arranged in spikes and can range in color from green to red. Following the flowering season, it produces small, wrinkled purple berries with a waxy coating, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Pacific Wax Myrtle is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including those of poor quality, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. Its dense foliage and rapid growth rate make it suitable for use as a windbreak, especially in coastal areas. Additionally, its aromatic foliage and berries can be used to create natural fragrances or herbal remedies, although it is less commonly utilized for wax production compared to other bayberries. In the garden, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering, with a tolerance for a range of drainage conditions from slow to fast. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Pacific Wax Myrtle is valued for its adaptability to various soil types, including those of poor quality, thanks to its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing microorganisms. Its dense foliage and rapid growth rate make it suitable for use as a windbreak, especially in coastal areas. Additionally, its aromatic foliage and berries can be used to create natural fragrances or herbal remedies, although it is less commonly utilized for wax production compared to other bayberries. In the garden, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires moderate watering, with a tolerance for a range of drainage conditions from slow to fast. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 10-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal bluffs, riparian zones, and wetlands within coastal regions of the Western United States and British Columbia
Other Names
Common Names: California Wax Myrtle , Pacific Bayberry , California Wax-Myrtle , California Bayberry
Scientific Names: Myrica californica , Morella californica , Gale californica
GBIF Accepted Name: Morella californica (Cham. & Schltdl.) Wilbur