The Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) is a celebrated ornamental plant, instantly recognizable by its peeling bark and vibrant summer-to-fall blooms, especially in warmer climates. Many wonder if Crape Myrtle is a hardwood, a question complicated because the term “hardwood” carries two distinct meanings: one botanical and one commercial. Understanding the difference between these classifications is necessary to arrive at a precise answer regarding this popular garden specimen.
What Defines Hardwood and Softwood
The scientific distinction between hardwood and softwood is based on reproductive strategy, not physical density or strength. Botanists classify trees into two large groups: Angiosperms (hardwoods) and Gymnosperms (softwoods). Hardwoods are derived from Angiosperms, which are flowering plants that produce seeds enclosed within a protective structure, such as a fruit or seed pod.
Softwoods come from Gymnosperms, a group that includes conifers like pines and spruces. These plants reproduce with “naked seeds,” typically exposed on the scales of cones. This difference in reproduction is reflected in the wood’s internal structure. Hardwoods feature specialized water-conducting cells called vessels or pores, which give the wood a distinct grain pattern. Softwoods utilize simpler cells called tracheids for water transport, resulting in a more uniform grain.
The Botanical Reality of Crape Myrtle
Applying the botanical definitions provides a straightforward answer to the Crape Myrtle’s classification. The Crape Myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, is a species of flowering plant that produces abundant flowers followed by small, round seed capsules. Because it is a flowering plant that produces enclosed seeds, it is classified as an Angiosperm. Consequently, the wood from this tree is technically categorized as a hardwood, based on its reproductive biology and cellular structure.
Physical Properties and Practical Uses of Crape Myrtle Wood
The Crape Myrtle is botanically a hardwood, but its physical characteristics often cause confusion because the wood is not typically “hard” in the commercial sense. The term is often associated with dense, commercially viable lumber like oak or maple. Although the wood is often described as hard and durable, L. indica does not reach the scale required for commercial timber production.
The primary reason it is rarely used for construction lumber is its growth habit. Crape Myrtles are usually multi-stemmed shrubs or small trees, typically reaching heights of 15 to 25 feet with a broad, spreading form. This growth pattern does not yield the long, straight logs required for milling standard planks.
The wood has been historically utilized for smaller, specialized items, such as tool handles, small carvings, and turned objects. While generally hard and rot-resistant, it can be prone to checking and splitting if not dried carefully. Its most significant value remains ornamental, making it a staple of the landscape rather than the lumberyard.