WAX MYRTLE
Myrica cerifera
(MY-ri-ka ker-EE-fer-uh)
Bayberry, Sweet Oak, Spiceberry, Tallow shrub, Waxberry, Candleberry
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Description | A large, native shrub that can also be trimmed into a multi-stemmed tree |
| Plant habit | Medium shrub to small tree |
| Landscape use |
A versatile landscape plant Plant as a specimen tree and prune to accentuate its irregular, multiple trunks or plant in a group to provide a tall dense screen Ideal size for neighborhood lots |
| Average mature size | 15’ tall x 10’ wide |
| Growth rate |
Fast, easy to grow Relatively short lived |
| Sun exposure | Sun, part sun/shade |
| Soil requirements | Prefers acidic conditions but is adaptable to alkaline soils |
| Water requirements |
Drought tolerant once established, but responds to regular watering Tolerant of wet and poorly-drained soil conditions |
| Heat tolerance | Medium; tolerant of urban growing conditions |
| Foliage |
Evergreen to semi-evergreen Waxy, dark green foliage, fragrant if crushed |
| Flowers |
Dioecious; flowers on both male and female plants Small, inconspicuous yellow green-flowers |
| Blooming period | Spring |
| Fruit characteristics | Female plants produce attractive, waxy blue berry clusters which persist until eaten by birds (40 bird species dine on wax myrtles, including bobwhite quail and turkey); foliage is not usually browsed by deer |
| Pests and disease | None serious |
| Other |
May develop suckers and root sprouts; remove as needed Brittle wood may break in ice storms Leaf drop may be extreme in cold temperatures |
This heritage plant has been cultivated since 1699. Early settlers in the Brazos Valley boiled the
leaves and fruit to extract the wax for making candles. Specialty candle stores across the U.S.
still feature “Bayberry candles” made from M. pennsylvanica. A dwarf variety, M. pusilla is also
available.
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