The Wax Myrtle, scientifically known as Morella cerifera (formerly Myrica cerifera), is a fast-growing native shrub or small tree found throughout the southeastern United States. This plant is generally classified as a broadleaf evergreen, meaning it retains its foliage year-round. However, the term “evergreen” is not absolute for the Wax Myrtle, as its leaf retention is highly dependent on local climate conditions and the severity of the winter season. It is a versatile species, thriving in various habitats from moist swamps to dry, sandy soils across its native range.
Understanding Semi-Evergreen Status
The Wax Myrtle’s classification shifts from evergreen to semi-evergreen, or even deciduous, in the northernmost parts of its habitat. This conditional leaf retention is a direct response to cold exposure, particularly hard freezes or prolonged periods of freezing temperatures. In warmer regions, typically USDA Hardiness Zones 8 through 10, the shrub maintains its glossy, olive-green leaves throughout the year. When exposed to harsh winters, the plant sheds its leaves as a protective mechanism, preventing excessive moisture loss when the ground is frozen. Even if leaves drop completely due to extreme cold, the underlying stems are usually unharmed and will regrow foliage in the spring.
Recognizing the Wax Myrtle
Several distinct physical traits help identify the Wax Myrtle. The foliage is slender, glossy, and olive-green, typically measuring two to four inches long. The leaves are often dotted with tiny yellow resin glands and possess a pleasant, spicy, or bayberry-like scent when crushed.
The Wax Myrtle is dioecious, meaning individual plants bear either male or female flowers, with only female plants producing fruit. These fruits are small, round clusters of gray-blue berries coated in a distinctive aromatic wax. The plant’s bark is smooth and pale gray, often developing a multi-trunked, irregular growth habit.
Landscaping Utility and Placement
The Wax Myrtle is a popular choice for functional landscaping because it maintains its foliage through most of the year. Its dense growth habit is frequently utilized to create year-round privacy screens, informal hedges, and windbreaks. The plant’s tolerance for salt spray and high winds also makes it an excellent selection for coastal planting designs.
To maximize the plant’s health and encourage year-round leaf retention, placement is an important consideration. It performs best in full sun to partial shade conditions and is highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and wet soils. This plant is notable for its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, allowing it to thrive in poor or infertile soils where other shrubs might struggle.