Common Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Lythraceae
Tree Category
Ornamental Flowering Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Likely 'Muskogee' or 'Tuscarora', based on lavender flowers and upright habit.
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 6-9; heat tolerant and moderately cold-hardy, though may die back to the ground in Zone 6 winters.
About This Tree
A multi-stemmed deciduous small tree with an upright, vase-shaped habit. Known for its showy crepe-like flower clusters and exfoliated bark. Displays a dense rounded crown and moderate to fast growth rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Small, simple, elliptic to oblong leaves about 1-3 inches long. Dark green in summer, turning vibrant shades of orange, red, or yellow in autumn. Arranged oppositely or sub-opposite.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, grayish-brown bark that peels or exfoliates to reveal a beautiful cinnamon-colored inner bark as the tree matures.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China and Korea; widely adapted to the Southeast United States and Mediterranean climates.
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring; flowers mid-to-late summer through early fall; dormant in winter. Best planted in fall or early spring.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires Full Sun for best blooming. Needs regular watering during establishment; highly drought-tolerant once mature. Prefers well-drained soil.
Mature Size
Typically 15-25 feet in height with a 10-20 foot spread. Can live 50+ years depending on environmental conditions.
Special Characteristics
Notable for long-lasting summer blooms, attractive peeling bark, and excellent fall color. High resistance to mildew in modern cultivars.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Small birds may use the dense branching for nesting and consume the dry seed capsules in winter.