Crape Myrtle (severely pruned/dormant or distressed)
Lagerstroemia indica · Deciduous broadleaf ornamental hardwood
Plant Family
Lythraceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Flowering / Street Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Unknown (Standard ornamental cultivar)
Hardiness Zones
Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 7 through 9, adapting well to hot, humid summers.
About This Tree
Small to medium deciduous tree or large shrub with a rounded, multi-stemmed or single-trunk form. The image shows a heavily pruned or stressed specimen during winter dormancy or distress, characterized by a dense, twiggy upper canopy and characteristic smooth trunk.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate or opposite leaves, elliptical to oblong in shape, ranging from 1 to 3 inches long. Dark green in summer, turning shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn before dropping.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth, pinkish-gray to brown bark that exfoliates in thin strips to reveal a smooth inner bark, often mottled with various tones of gray, brown, and cinnamon as it ages.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to China, Korea, and Japan; widely adapted and naturalized across the Southeastern and Western United States.
Growing Season
Deciduous. Leafs out in late spring, blooms abundantly through summer into early fall with panicles of flowers, and enters dormancy in late autumn, dropping all leaves.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best flowering and health. Moderate watering needs; highly drought-tolerant once established, preferring well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 15 to 25 feet in height with a 15-foot spread. Moderate to fast growth rate with a lifespan of 50 years or more.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for prolonged summer blooms, attractive exfoliating bark, and strong tolerance to urban pollution, heat, and drought.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides modest nectar and pollen sources for bees and butterflies. Its dense branching structure offers nesting sites and cover for small birds.