Pacific Wax Myrtle
Morella californica
Also listed as Myrica californica, Gale californica
Also known as California Wax Myrtle, Wax Myrtle, Pacific Bayberry
Climate Match for your location
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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.
Why grow it
Pacific Wax Myrtle offers a native alternative to non-native ornamental shrubs in western gardens, with the advantage of supporting local wildlife through persistent fruit crops. Compared to other drought-tolerant California natives, it tolerates a broader range of soil conditions and maintains year-round visual interest through its evergreen foliage and distinctive waxy berries. It requires no supplemental water once established and no fertilizer amendments, making it a low-input choice for naturalistic or xeric plantings.
Watch out for
Young plants may require some supplemental water during their first growing season to establish deep roots, despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. In favorable coastal conditions with high summer humidity, spider mites can occasionally become problematic, though this is not typical across its full range. Suckering from the root system can occur in some situations, requiring management if a single-stem form is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myricaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Coast of North America
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pacific Wax Myrtle grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pacific Wax Myrtle offers a native alternative to non-native ornamental shrubs in western gardens, with the advantage of supporting local wildlife through persistent fruit crops. Compared to other drought-tolerant California natives, it tolerates a broader range of soil conditions and maintains year-round visual interest through its evergreen foliage and distinctive waxy berries. It requires no supplemental water once established and no fertilizer amendments, making it a low-input choice for naturalistic or xeric plantings.
Watch out for
Young plants may require some supplemental water during their first growing season to establish deep roots, despite the species' eventual drought tolerance. In favorable coastal conditions with high summer humidity, spider mites can occasionally become problematic, though this is not typical across its full range. Suckering from the root system can occur in some situations, requiring management if a single-stem form is desired.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myricaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Pacific Coast of North America
Native to: California, Oregon, Washington
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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