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Crape-myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Crape-myrtle is a colorful shrub that blooms with pretty flowers in summer. It can grow tall and is often seen in gardens, adding beauty with its vibrant colors.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Crape-myrtle has beautiful, crinkled flowers resembling crepe paper, often in vibrant shades of pink, purple, red, or white. Its smooth, mottled bark peels away to reveal lighter colors beneath, making it stand out in gardens.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMyrtalesFamilyLythraceaeGenusLagerstroemia
Crape-myrtle
deciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeornamental trait badgeshrub trait badge
Crape-myrtle

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

After blooming, it grows small, round seed capsules that look like tiny berries.

In autumn, many crape-myrtle leaves turn fiery red, orange, or yellow!

It is often called the 'Lilac of the South' because of its beautiful summer blooms!

Its crinkled petals look just like colorful crepe paper, giving it its name!

Special abilities

Ability

Colorful Attraction

Crape-myrtle can bloom with bright, crinkly flowers to attract many helpful insects for pollination.

Ability

Peeling Protection

Crape-myrtle has bark that peels off, helping it shed old skin and pesky insects.

Ability

Sun Lover

Crape-myrtle can thrive in very hot and sunny places, soaking up lots of energy for vibrant blooms.

Measurements & details

Height
300-900 cm
Spread
200-600 cm
Flower Size
2-3 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to early Fall
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar from its showy flowers

eats

Crape Myrtle Aphid

Tinocallis kahawaluokalani

sucks sap from leaves, causing honeydew

eats

Japanese beetle

Popillia japonica

chews holes in its leaves and petals

pollinates

Common eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

gathers pollen and nectar for its colony

Traits

Also known as

Crape MyrtleLagerstroemia

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always be gentle around plants and don't eat any parts without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Crape-myrtle?

300-900 cm

How wide does Crape-myrtle spread?

200-600 cm

How big are the flowers on Crape-myrtle?

2-3 cm

When does Crape-myrtle bloom?

Summer to early Fall

Is Crape-myrtle edible?

No

Is Crape-myrtle toxic?

None

What is Crape-myrtle's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Crape-myrtle pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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