Pacific Wax Myrtle Myrica Californica
The pacific wax myrtle is still mostly known in the trade as myrica californica.
Pacific wax myrtle myrica californica. Morella is probably derived from morus the latin name for mulberry giving it a literal meaning of. Densely branched multi stemmed shrub but when protected it forms into a small tree with a narrow rounded crown. Broadleaf evergreen shrub that can ultimately grow to 30 tall and 20 wide if it is not pruned. It can also be pruned into an attractive small tree.
Clean glossy foliage is accented by purple fruit a valued food source for birds. Native to southwest washington coast. Myrica californica most commonly called pacific wax myrtle is an evergreen shrub that grows from 10 30 ft. This fast growing versatile native shrub adds vertical interest and shade to the landscape with little care.
Sun part shade. Hardy to usda zone 7 native to the pacific coast and coastal valleys from washington to southern california. The gray to brown bark is smooth and thick leathery evergreen leaves are elongated with serrated margins often having resin dots. The pacific wax myrtle s dense bushy form rapid growth and glossy green leaves make it a popular shrub for screening.
It has smooth gray bark and upright stems that are densely clothed with lustrous 4 inch long toothed edge leaves which emerge a bright apple green is spring and darken as they mature. Myrica californica california bayberry california wax myrtle or pacific wax myrtle. Schltdl wilbur is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the pacific ocean coast of north america from vancouver island south to california as far south as the long beach area. Makes an excellent evergreen hedge.
It is native to the coast and coastal valleys from the santa monica mountains to vancouver island and is without a doubt one of the most versatile best looking and truly adaptable large natives for sonoma county gardens. Fruits are eaten by wildlife. Schltdl greene morella californica cham. Myrica californica pacific wax myrtle this california native is a vigorous multi branched evergreen shrub reaching up to about 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide easily kept smaller.
The sticky leaves give off a spicy aroma when crushed or on a warm day. Morella californica cham wilbur. Ideal natural windbreak screen or clipped hedge. Pacific wax myrtle habit.