Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica · Deciduous broadleaf hardwood
Plant Family
Lythraceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Flowering, and Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Dynamite (Lagerstroemia indica 'Dynamite')
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, adapting well to hot summers and moderate winters.
About This Tree
A multi-stemmed, deciduous ornamental tree with a spreading, rounded or vase-shaped crown. Known for its exceptionally long and vibrant summer flower clusters, smooth exfoliating bark, and attractive fall foliage.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, elliptic to oblong leaves, 1 to 3 inches long, arranged oppositely or in whorls. Emerging with a reddish-bronze tint in spring, turning dark green in summer, and shifting to vibrant yellow, orange, or red in autumn.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, grayish-brown to cinnamon-colored bark that exfoliates with age in thin strips, revealing a smooth, pinkish or cream-colored inner layer beneath.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan; widely adapted and planted throughout the southeastern and western United States.
Growing Season
Spring leaf-out with bronze-red emerging foliage, heavy summer blooming from June through September, dropping leaves in autumn after striking fall colors, and winter dormancy.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for optimal flowering and health. Prefers moderate, consistent moisture during establishment but develops good drought tolerance once mature.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height with a 10 to 15-foot spread. Growth rate is moderate to fast, with a lifespan of 50 years or more.
Special Characteristics
Renowned for its vivid, long-lasting summer blooms, peeling ornamental bark, excellent resistance to urban pollution, and good drought tolerance once established.
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its abundant nectar-rich flowers. Offers modest nesting cover for small birds.