Description
Myrica –
There are about 50 species of dioecious or monoecious, deciduous and evergreen, usual suckering shrubs and erect trees in this genus. They occur in moist ground worldwide. They range in height from 5′ feet tall to 100′ feet tall. They have alternate, lance shaped to ovate, usually aromatic, dark green leaves. Their fruits are a cluster of bluish black berries enclosed in a white waxy crust. Tiny flowers appear in late spring, both sexes are borne on the same plant, males in elongated catkins, and the females in globular clusters. Many are effective when grown in groups. M. cerifera may also be used as a screening plant, M. gale is a useful bog plant.
Grow in humus rich, moist soil. M. gale will also grow in permanently water logged, acidic soil in part shade.
Prone to leaf spots, stem rots, root rots, dieback, and rust.
M. californica – Pacific Wax Myrtle – California Wax Myrtle – This evergreen shrub or small treed is native to the West Coast of the USA. It has finely toothed, narrowly elliptic, dark green leaves 2-4″ long. It has an upright habit, except where sheared by coastal winds. It is 5-30′ feet tall and less in spread. It’s flowers are not showy but 1/4″ wide, waxy purple drupes that follow can be colorful when abundant.
Zones 8-10
