Create Your Garden

Native Plant Alternatives to Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)

Native Plants, Invasive Plants, Lagerstroemia indica, Crape Myrtle, Crapmyrtle

Lagerstroemia indica, more commonly known as crape myrtle or crepe myrtle, is a widely commercialized ornamental shrub or small tree that hails from temperate and tropical Asia. Renowned for its vibrant flowers that bloom for an extended period, attractive bark that peels back to reveal a smooth and colorful layer beneath and vibrant autumn foliage, it’s a sought-after addition to many landscapes.

Due to its ornamental value, the crepe myrtle has been introduced to numerous tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It’s a resilient plant, well-adapted to a variety of climates and conditions, and thrives particularly well in hot, humid environments.

Despite its aesthetic appeal, the crape myrtle’s successful proliferation in environments outside its native range has led to concerns about its invasiveness. In some regions, the plant’s aggressive growth and prolific seeding can lead to it becoming naturalized, meaning it grows and reproduces on its own and maintains its population long-term without human intervention. Once naturalized, it can crowd out native plants and alter habitats, characteristics of invasive species.

This is particularly the case in several regions where the crape myrtle has been introduced. Its ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, its drought tolerance, and its attraction to pollinators all contribute to its potential to spread and dominate certain environments.

While Lagerstroemia indica has thus become an invasive species in some regions, it’s important to note that “invasiveness” can vary by location. In some areas, crape myrtles may naturalize without significantly impacting local ecosystems, while in others, they may have more detrimental effects on biodiversity.

As such, it’s crucial for gardeners and landscapers to be mindful of the potential ecological implications of introducing non-native species to their local environments. It’s always a good idea to consult local horticultural or botanical societies or local extension services for guidance on the best plants for their area. Responsible planting and management can help prevent the spread of potentially invasive plants and protect local biodiversity.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, invasive species have contributed to the decline of 42% of U.S. endangered and threatened species and 18% of U.S. endangered or threatened species. Invasive species compete directly with native species for moisture, sunlight, nutrients, and space. They displace and alter native plant communities, degrade wildlife habitat and water quality, and potentially increase soil erosion.

The federal government has estimated that nearly 25 percent of the 20,000 plant species native to North America are at risk of extinction, many of these through habitat loss. You can help reverse this trend by planting native plants in your garden.

A plant is considered native if naturally occurring in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction. There are many benefits in growing native plants. First, these plants are better adapted to soils, moisture, and weather than exotic plants that evolved in other parts of the world. They need fewer fertilizers and pesticides or use less water. Second, they are unlikely to escape and become invasive, destroying natural habitats. Third, they support wildlife, providing shelter and food for native birds and insects, while exotic plants do not.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Genus Lagerstroemia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States

U.S. Native Plant Alternatives to Lagerstroemia indica (Crape Myrtle)

Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)
Cercis occidentalis (Western Redbud)
Chilopsis linearis (Desert Willow)
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringe Tree)
Dodonaea viscosa (Florida Hopbush)
Rhus ovata (Sugar Sumac)
Sophora secundiflora (Texas Mountain Laurel)
Tecoma stans (Yellow Bells)
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Amelanchier lamarckii (Juneberry)
Amelanchier laevis (Allegheny Serviceberry)
Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
Amelanchier alnifolia (Serviceberry)
Amelanchier canadensis (Canadian Serviceberry)

More on Gardenia

Native Plant Alternatives to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Native Plant Alternatives to Viburnum plicatum (Japanese Snowball)
Native Plant Alternatives to Paulownia tomentosa (Princess Tree)
Native Plant Alternatives to Hedera helix (English Ivy)
Native Plant Alternatives to Akebia quinata (Chocolate Vine)
Native Plant Alternatives to Tamarix ramosissima (Tamarisk)

Discover more beautiful native plants

Native Plants

Plant Finder

Compare All Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle)
Compare Now
Guides with
United States
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Guide Information

Hardiness 6 - 9
Heat Zones 7 - 9
Plant Type Trees
Genus Lagerstroemia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Mid, Late)
Fall
Native Plants United States
Compare All Lagerstroemia (Crepe Myrtle)
Compare Now
Guides with
United States

Related Items

Please Login to Proceed

You Have Reached The Free Limit, Please Subscribe to Proceed

Subscribe to Gardenia

To create additional collections, you must be a paid member of Gardenia
  • Add as many plants as you wish
  • Create and save up to 25 garden collections
Become a Member

Plant Added Successfully

You have Reached Your Limit

To add more plants, you must be a paid member of our site Become a Member

Update Your Credit
Card Information

Cancel

Create a New Collection

Sign Up to Our Newsletter

    You have been subscribed successfully

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Join Gardenia.net

    Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

    Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

    Join now and start creating your dream garden!

    Find your Hardiness Zone

    Find your Heat Zone

    Find your Climate Zone