Myrica californica (Pacific Wax Myrtle)

Plant Description: This plant is a densely branched, multi-stemmed shrub. When protected, it forms into a small tree with a narrow rounded crown. The gray to brown bark is smooth and thick, leathery evergreen leaves are elongated with serrated margins often having resin dots. The sticky leaves give off a spicy aroma when crushed or on a warm day. Male flowers are tiny yellowish green catkins, female flowers are tiny reddish green flowers both forming out of the leaf axils. The fruit is a single seeded, wrinkled berry in small tight clusters that are coated with a waxy white covering, turning from red to black, showier than the flowers.

• Height: 6-30ft
• Width: 10-20ft
• Watering needs: regular
• Sun needs: full sun to part shade
• Soil needs: moist to wet, well-drained 
• Bloom Time: April-July
• Fruiting: Female plants only produce berries when pollenated by nearby male plants.  Male flowers are tiny yellowish green catkins, female flowers are tiny reddish green flowers both forming out of the leaf axils.

Landscape Use and Ecological Function: This Willamette Valley native is found growing on coastal dunes, moist slopes, streambanks, and canyons below 500 ft from British Columbia through California along the Pacific Coast.

We recommend planting Pacific wax myrtle in meadowscape environments. It creates excellent habitat and its berries attract several varieties of birds. This plant also draws in pollinators. Pacific wax myrtle tolerates coastal conditions and can be drought tolerant.