The Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a highly valued ornamental plant renowned for its spectacular, long-lasting summer blooms. These vibrant flowers, appearing in shades of white, pink, red, and purple, make it a staple in warm-climate landscapes across the United States. Gardeners frequently debate whether this common plant is technically a tree or a bush. The confusion arises because the plant’s appearance varies dramatically depending on the specific cultivar and how it is cultivated.
The Botanical Reality of Crepe Myrtle
Botanically, the Crepe Myrtle is classified as a deciduous plant that can take the form of either a large shrub or a small tree. In its natural state, the species typically grows as an erect, multi-trunked plant. This multi-stemmed habit is characteristic of a shrub, while trees generally possess a single trunk.
The Lagerstroemia genus encompasses a wide range of cultivars, which complicates simple classification. Varieties exist that mature into dwarf shrubs, reaching heights as little as 1.5 feet, while full-sized selections can grow into small trees over 30 feet tall. This variability means the plant does not fit neatly into a single category, existing instead on a continuum between a dense hedge and a small shade tree.
How Pruning Determines the Plant’s Form
Human intervention, particularly pruning, is the greatest factor determining the Crepe Myrtle’s ultimate form. The plant’s natural tendency to produce multiple stems from the base means it will default to a bushy, shrub-like appearance if left unmanaged. Gardeners can train a young plant into a traditional tree shape by selectively removing all but one or a few of the strongest stems.
To maintain a multi-stemmed tree form, which showcases the plant’s attractive bark, proper pruning involves removing suckers from the roots and lower branches. This process, often called “limbing up,” exposes the lower one-third of the trunk and creates an open, vase-like canopy. Conversely, the severe annual chopping of branches, sometimes called “crepe murder,” encourages a dense flush of weak, whiplike growth, resulting in a bushy and unnatural appearance.
Identifying Characteristics
Regardless of its size or pruned form, the Crepe Myrtle has several distinguishing features that aid in identification. Its most recognizable trait is the exfoliating bark, which peels away in thin strips to reveal a smooth, mottled under-layer in shades of cinnamon, gray, or pinkish-orange. This unique texture provides year-round interest, especially during the winter.
The flowers are borne in large clusters called terminal panicles and feature six petals that are distinctly ruffled, giving them a delicate, crepe-paper-like texture. The leaves are small, typically oblong, and arranged oppositely or in whorls along the stem. Following the summer bloom, the plant develops small, brown, round fruit capsules that persist through the winter, completing the cycle of its multi-season appeal.