wax myrtle
ExplorePlants
wax myrtle
Morella cerifera
The wax myrtle is a lovely shrub with shiny green leaves and small blue berries. It grows in warm places and is great for making homes for birds and other animals.
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The wax myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, olive-green leaves that are aromatic when crushed. It has smooth, pale gray bark and produces distinctive small, waxy, grayish-blue berries clustered along its branches.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFagalesFamilyMyricaceaeGenusMorella
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Early American colonists used its bark to treat fevers and stomach issues.
Its berries are covered in a special wax that was once used to make sweet-smelling candles!
Many birds flock to its waxy berries, gobbling them up for winter energy!
This tough plant loves salty air, growing right by the ocean!
Special abilities
Ability
Soil Supercharger
Wax myrtle can partner with special root bacteria to make its own fertilizer, helping it grow in sandy, poor soils.
Ability
Coastal Cruiser
Wax myrtle has tough leaves and roots that let it handle salty winds and soil, making it a great beach plant.
Ability
Waxy Winter Snacks
Wax myrtle produces energy-rich, waxy berries that provide essential food for birds during cold months.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 300-600 cm
- Spread
- 200-400 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
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Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch the berries, as they are not for eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is wax myrtle?
300-600 cm
How wide does wax myrtle spread?
200-400 cm
When does wax myrtle bloom?
Late winter to spring
Is wax myrtle edible?
No
Is wax myrtle toxic?
None
What is wax myrtle's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is wax myrtle pollinated?
Wind
Where is wax myrtle usually found?
Coastal areas
Snap Map
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