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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