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Pacific Wax Myrtle

Pacific Wax Myrtle

Morella californica

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 9aZone 11b

Pacific Wax Myrtle is a native California evergreen shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and waxy gray berries that persist through winter, making it an excellent wildlife food source and ornamental. Highly drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in poor soils and requires minimal maintenance.

Overview

Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
6–33′ tall × 6–10′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

low

Flood Tolerance

low
Zone 9aZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 9a to Zone 11b

pH Range

67.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 6 to 7.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

FallWinter

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native to the United States

Native Range

Pacific Coast of North America

Native to: California, Oregon, Washington

Function & Care

wildlife benefiterosion controlwindbreakhedgerow
Nitrogen Fixer · Low
Coppicing

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting