California Wax Myrtle Myrica californica

Pacific wax myrtle is an ornamental broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the Myricaceae (myrtle) family.  It is native to the Pacific Coast and coastal valleys of North America from Vancouver Island down to southern California. It grows best near the coast, close to streams, or on dunes. The origin of the genus name, Myrica, is from the Greek name Tamarix. The species name, californica, means "of California." 

With its dense  upright habit and glossy leaves it grows to a height and width of 10 to 30 feet. The leaves are about 4 inches long, narrow, and glossy green with black dots. The fruits appear in the fall and are small waxy purple to black drupes that attract birds. The tiny flowers appear in the spring and are insignificant. 

The Pacific wax myrtle prefers full sun to partial shade and even grows in the elusive dry shade. The roots of the plant have nodules that contain nitrogen-fixing microorganisms; therefore, the shrub is poor soil tolerant. It may be grown in sandy, loamy, or clay soils with an acid or neutral pH.  The plant tolerates pruning and shearing, keeping in mind that next season's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth. The shrub may be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering. Layering is the fastest method. 

The Pacific Wax Myrtle is said to be the best native shrub for screening on the Pacific Coast. It may be trimmed as a hedge. This shrub is ideal for coastal planting because it is salt spray tolerant as well as poor soil tolerant. It will also provide bank stabilization. This ornamental shrub with showy berries and glossy green foliage makes an attractive plant as a specimen, informal screen, or background interest in the garden.

Seasons of Interest:

Foliage: Year-round    Fruits: Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• dense, bushy, broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, 10 to 30 feet tall and wide
• the leaves are glossy, dark green upper surface, paler green undersides with black dots, 4-inches long, and lanceolate
• insignificant yellow-greenish flowers in the spring
• small warty or bumpy drupes that are initially green that turn purple to black with a white waxy coating and grow in small, tight clusters

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Pacific wax myrtle has no serious insects or disease issues. It may be susceptible to scales. thrips, spider mites, and whiteflies. Potential diseases include leaf spots, blight anthracnose, limb rot, or trunk rot. 

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University