Morella cerifera (Wax Myrtle)

Wax Myrtle – Morella cerifera: An In-depth Look

The Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera or Myrica cerifera), also known as Southern Wax Myrtle or Bayberry, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub or small tree. It is well known for its aromatic leaves, showy berries, salt tolerance, and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions. This versatile plant is popular for hedges, privacy screens, and coastal landscapes.

Wax Myrtle belongs to the Myricaceae family, which includes popular plants such as Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica), Pacific Wax Myrtle (Morella californica), and Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina).

Native Range

Wax Myrtle is native to the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, from New Jersey to Florida and westward to Texas. It also extends into Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This plant naturally thrives in wetlands, swamps, pine forests, and coastal dunes.

Plant Type and Habit

Wax Myrtle is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a dense, rounded growth habit. It spreads through suckers, forming thickets in ideal conditions. Its adaptability to pruning allows it to be shaped into a hedge or grown as a single-trunk small tree.

Size

This fast-growing evergreen tree can reach up to 25 feet (7.5 m) tall with an equal spread, though it is more commonly seen at 10 to 20 feet. Growing up to 2 feet (60 cm) per year, it is an excellent choice for privacy screens.

Lifespan

Wax Myrtle is a long-lived shrub, with a typical lifespan of 30 to 50 years. With proper care and favorable conditions, some specimens can live even longer.

Leaves

The foliage features narrow, olive-green, glossy leaves, 3-5 inches long (7-12 cm), which release a distinctive bayberry candle fragrance when crushed. Dotted with yellow resin glands, the leaves have a slightly speckled appearance. Wax Myrtle remains evergreen in warm climates but may turn semi-evergreen in cooler regions.

Flowers and Fruits

Small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers bloom in early spring. Wax Myrtle is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Female plants produce attractive clusters of small, waxy, grayish-blue berries in late summer to fall, which persist into winter and are highly attractive to birds.

Wax Myrtle berries have long been valued for their aromatic wax, historically used to make bayberry candles, soaps, and sealing wax. Additionally, Native Americans utilized various parts of the plant in traditional medicine for treating ailments and promoting overall wellness.

Bark

The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, with a slightly rough texture as the plant matures.

Hardiness

Wax Myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7-11, thriving in high heat, humidity, and coastal conditions. It withstands salt spray. wind and urban conditions.

Uses

• Privacy Screen: Dense foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedges and windbreaks, providing year-round coverage for homes and patios.
• Coastal Landscaping: Thrives in salt spray and sandy soils, making it ideal for beachfront properties.
• Ornamental Planting: Evergreen, glossy foliage adds beauty and texture to gardens, suitable for both small and large landscapes.
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes sandy or sloped areas with its deep roots and improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.
• Wetland and Water Gardens: Tolerates flooding, making it perfect for streambanks, pond edges, and rain gardens.
• Wildlife and Pollinator Garden: Provides food and shelter for birds, butterflies, and bees.
• Drought-Tolerant and Native Gardens: Once established, withstands dry conditions and enhances local ecosystems with minimal maintenance.
• Native Garden: A valuable addition to native plant gardens, supporting local ecosystems and requiring minimal maintenance. Its nitrogen-fixing ability benefits surrounding plants by enriching the soil.
• Barrier Planting: Can be used as a natural barrier to block wind, noise, or unwanted views while also enhancing landscape aesthetics.
• Hedge: Easily shaped into a formal or informal hedge, providing privacy and structure to gardens and property lines.
• Screen/Privacy Planting: Grows quickly and densely, making it an effective natural screen against neighbors, roads, or other distractions. Top 33 Fast-Growing Trees for Instant Privacy and Beauty

Wildlife Value

Wax Myrtle plays a vital role in supporting wildlife by providing food, shelter, and nesting sites. It is particularly important during the winter months when other food sources become scarce.

Birds: The small, waxy fruits are a crucial food source for many bird species, especially during fall and winter. Yellow-rumped Warblers rely heavily on these berries, as they are uniquely capable of digesting the waxy coating. Other birds that enjoy Wax Myrtle’s fruit include Northern Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, Carolina Wrens, and Tree Sparrows.

Pollinators and Insects: Wax Myrtle’s flowers, while inconspicuous, produce nectar that attracts a variety of pollinators, including honeybees and butterflies. It serves as a larval host plant for the Red-Banded Hairstreak Butterfly (Calycopis cecrops), providing a habitat for caterpillars to develop into adult butterflies.

Shelter and Habitat: The thick, evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter for birds and small mammals, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Deer Resistance

Wax Myrtle is deer and rabbit resistant due to its aromatic foliage, which is less palatable to browsing animals.

Toxicity

The plant is generally non-toxic to humans and pets. However, the berries are not commonly consumed by humans.

Invasiveness

Wax Myrtle can spread through root suckers, forming dense colonies. While beneficial for erosion control, it may require occasional management to prevent excessive spreading.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Drought and Urban Tolerance: Thrives in dry conditions, poor soils, and urban landscapes, making it highly adaptable.
• Soil Improvement: Fixes nitrogen, enriching the soil and benefiting surrounding plants.
• Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds, pollinators, and beneficial insects.
• Low Maintenance: Resistant to most pests and diseases, requiring minimal care once established.
• Salt Tolerance: Ideal for coastal areas, tolerating salt spray and sandy soils.
• Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides beauty, privacy, and structure throughout all seasons.

Drawbacks

• Messy Fruits: Female plants produce small, waxy berries that may drop in abundance.
• Potential Suckering: Can spread through root suckers, requiring occasional control.
• Cold Sensitivity: May suffer leaf browning or dieback in colder regions or harsh winters.
• Fire Risk: Contains flammable aromatic compounds, making it unsuitable for fire-prone areas.

How to Grow and Care for Wax Myrtle

Choosing the Right Location

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade. The best berry production is obtained in full sun.
• Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, including acidic, sandy, loamy, and wet conditions. Prefers well-draining soil but can tolerate occasional flooding and poor fertility.

Planting

• Best Time: Plant in spring or fall when temperatures are mild.
• Spacing: Space plants 6-10 feet apart for hedges and 10-15 feet apart for individual specimens.
• Process: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, place the plant, and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly.

Watering

Once established, Wax Myrtle is highly adaptable, thriving in both drought and periodic flooding. Young plants need regular watering to develop a strong root system, but once mature, they can withstand extended dry spells with ease. Keep the soil consistently moist during the establishment phase for optimal growth and resilience.

Fertilization

Fertilization is typically unnecessary, but a balanced fertilizer in early spring can encourage vigorous growth.

Pruning

Wax Myrtle responds well to pruning and frequent shearing. It can be allowed to develop into an airy hedge.

• Best Time: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
• Purpose: Remove dead or weak branches and shape the plant as desired.

How to Propagate Wax Myrtle

Seed Propagation

• Collect seeds from mature berries in fall, when they turn blue-gray and detach easily from the plant.
• Remove the waxy coating by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours, then rubbing them gently with a cloth.
• Dry the seeds and store them in a cool, dark place until ready to sow.
• Sow seeds in a well-draining mix of sand and peat moss, pressing them lightly into the surface.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, maintaining temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for optimal germination.
• Germination may take several weeks; transplant seedlings into larger pots once they develop strong roots.

Cutting Propagation

• Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer, selecting 4-6 inch (10-15 cm) shoots with healthy leaves and no flowers.
• Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage root formation.
• Plant cuttings in a well-draining mix of sand and peat, keeping the soil lightly moist.
• Place the cuttings in a humid environment, such as a greenhouse or under a plastic dome, to prevent moisture loss.
• Keep in indirect light at a stable temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C) to promote rooting.
• Roots should develop within 4-8 weeks; once established, transplant cuttings into individual pots or directly into the garden.

Common Pests and Diseases

Wax Myrtle is generally pest-resistant but may occasionally encounter some issues, especially in less-than-ideal growing conditions. Here are the most common problems to watch for:

• Leaf Browning: Typically occurs in cold winters due to frost damage. Affected leaves may turn brown or drop prematurely but usually recover in spring.
• Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark, irregular spots on leaves. It thrives in wet conditions and can be managed by improving air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
• Leaf Mosaic Virus: Causes mottled yellow or light green patterns on leaves, leading to stunted growth. There is no cure, but affected plants should be monitored and removed if symptoms worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wax Myrtle

Is Wax Myrtle a Good Tree?

Yes! Wax Myrtle is a versatile, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree known for its dense foliage, salt tolerance, and adaptability. It’s commonly used for privacy screens, hedges, and erosion control, making it a great choice for both urban and coastal landscapes.

What Is Wax Myrtle Used For?

Wax Myrtle is used for privacy screens, windbreaks, and coastal landscaping. It also improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and provides food and shelter for wildlife. Historically, its waxy berries were used to make bayberry candles, and its leaves have been used in traditional medicine.

What Does Wax Myrtle Smell Like?

The leaves of Wax Myrtle release a distinct, spicy, and resinous fragrance when crushed, similar to bayberry candles. This aromatic quality makes it a natural insect repellent.

How Hardy Are Wax Myrtles?

Wax Myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7-11. It tolerates heat, humidity, drought, and coastal conditions but may experience leaf browning in colder regions or harsh winters.

What Is the Lifespan of a Wax Myrtle?

Wax Myrtle typically lives 30 to 50 years, with proper care. Its longevity depends on environmental conditions, maintenance, and protection from extreme cold.

What Kills Wax Myrtle?

Wax Myrtle can be affected by prolonged freezing temperatures, excessive drought, overwatering, or poor soil drainage. Herbicides, root rot, and fungal diseases like leaf anthracnose can also weaken or kill the plant.

How Do You Stop Wax Myrtle from Spreading?

To control Wax Myrtle’s spread, regularly prune root suckers and remove unwanted shoots. Installing a root barrier can help limit underground growth. Keeping the plant in a container or maintaining a mulched area around it can also prevent excessive spreading.