Southern Wax Myrtle
Morella cerifera · Evergreen, Broadleaf
Plant Family
Myricaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Privacy Screen, Native
Variety / Cultivar
Standard variety
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 7-11; heat-tolerant and adaptable to humid coastal environments.
About This Tree
A fast-growing, evergreen large shrub or small multi-trunked tree with a rounded, billowy habit. It features dense, olive-green foliage that emits a spicy fragrance when crushed. It is highly adaptable and often used for reclamation or privacy screening.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, narrow, oblanceolate to elliptical leaves, typical 3-5 inches long. Leaves are arranged alternately, have a leathery texture, and small yellow-orange resin glands visible on both surfaces. Margins are often coarsely serrated toward the apex.
Bark Characteristics
Grey-white to light brown in color; thin and relatively smooth, becoming slightly more textured and grayish with maturity. Often covered in inconspicuous lenticels.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, extending from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas and Arkansas.
Growing Season
Main active growth in spring and summer; flowers in early spring (March-April); fruit ripens in late summer to fall and persists through winter.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist to wet soils but exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established. Highly salt-tolerant.
Mature Size
Typically 10-25 feet in height and spread; growth rate is fast (often 3-5 feet per year); lifespan is approximately 20-30 years.
Special Characteristics
Produces aromatic waxy berries used historically for candle-making; notable for nitrogen-fixing roots allowing it to thrive in poor soils; high salt, wind, and pollution tolerance.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical winter food for birds such as Yellow-rumped Warblers and Tree Swallows; serves as a host plant for the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly; provides dense nesting cover for songbirds.