Wax Myrtle

Wax Myrtle – Morella cerifera – is a member of the Bayberry (Myricaceae) family. It is an evergreen large shrub/small tree, growing to 20 feet high and 15 feet wide. Wax myrtle is one of a handful of our native evergreen shrubs that is easy to grow. For those of us who primarily use natives, the demand for evergreens is a challenge, and wax myrtle is one of our best options. It has very inconspicuous flowers, and its leaves and stems have a spicy, aromatic fragrance when they are crushed. In a pinch, its fragrant leaves can be used as a natural bug repellant.