Botanical Name: Myrica californica
Common Name: Pacific wax myrtle, California wax myrtle
Type of Plant: dicot: shrub-small
Character evergreen tree
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape a large shrub with a densely rounded growth habit; becomes treelike in shadier, well-watered locations (appearance is similar to Heteromeles); bark is smooth, light gray-tan
Height 10'- 20' (25')
Spread equal
Growth Rate moderate
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors tolerates full sun near the coast; prefers some shading at hot inland sites
Soil tolerates most; prefers well-draining locations
Hardiness hardy (zones 4-6, 14-17, 20-24): thrives in mild coastal-zone sites
 
Morphology:
Leaves pinnate, alternate, oblong or oblanceolate; dark green and glossy above, paler beneath, 3"-5" long; margins serrate
Flowers small, inconspicuous, unisexual; in catkins
Fruit a small drupe-like nut, 1/4" diameter; brown, with a waxy coating
 
Propagation:
seed
 
Usage:
an excellent plant for large screening - can be sheared as a formal hedge; can be easily pruned into a small tree
 
Landscape Care:
Watering little watering needed in coastal-zone climates; at inland sites the plant benefits from an occasional deep soak (14-21 days)
Fertilizing little is needed after establishment
Pruning to shape desired, as needed; selectively heading back is preferable to shearing for a full uniform appearance
Pests/Diseases relatively free
Special Conditions/Other foliage may get sunburned at hot inland sites
 
Origin: coastal canyons of central California to Washington
Family: Myricaeae

Notes:
 
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