How do I identify a Myrtle wax?

Wax Myrtle is an evergreen tree that may grow 20 to 25 feet tall, but usually is much shorter. The light olive green leaves are alternate with a toothed margin, a spicy aromatic odor when crushed, and yellow resin dots on both surfaces. The bark is thin, smooth, and gray-brown, almost white.

Does wax myrtle lose leaves?

Wax myrtle is native from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas, says Miller. Its close relative, the northern bayberry (Myrica or Morella pensylvanica), is sometimes seen in Virginia; it’s deciduous to semi-evergreen, so in cold winters it loses most or all of its leaves.

Is southern wax myrtle poisonous?

Wax Myrtle Berries Are Non-Toxic, but Not Good Eats Either Its pleasant-smelling leaves and berries provide good cover, and it doesn’t require much maintenance, being able to weather low levels of shade and semi-acidic soil. Though not considered poisonous, the plants can be mild allergens.

Are bayberry and wax myrtle the same thing?

Myrica cerifera is a small evergreen tree or large shrub native to North and Central America and the Caribbean. Its common names include southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry, candleberry, bayberry tree, and tallow shrub.

Does wax myrtle repel mosquitoes?

Wax myrtle – This shrub grows well in Florida and is commonly used as a hedge. Sunken Garden’s, garden specialist, Jen Tyson says, “Scientist have actually proved that the Tocobaga, and other tribes in Florida, used these for a reason and it’s absolutely true, they do repel mosquitos.”

Are Southern wax myrtle poisonous to dogs?

It is listed as non-toxic to dogs on the ASPCA list and not listed on any of the other above poisonous plant databases or in the PollenLibrary.com database. It needs shade or partial shade to grow, as well as moist soil. Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) is an evergreen shrub that grow into a small tree.

How much sun does a wax myrtle need?

Plant wax myrtle in a full sun to part sun area where roots will not be disturbed. This plant is salt tolerant and takes sea spray well, making it an exceptional beach front planting. The wax myrtle is adaptable to a range of soils, but prefers the soil to be moist.

Can you eat wax myrtle?

Edible parts of Wax Myrtle: There is very little edible flesh and the quality is poor. Leaves and berries are used as a food flavouring. They make an aromatic, attractive and agreeable substitute for bay leaves, and can be used in flavouring soups, stews etc. The dried leaves are brewed into a robust tea.

How far apart can you plant wax myrtle?

How Far Apart Can You Plant Wax Myrtle? Wax Myrtle Identification. Grown as either a tree or a shrub, wax myrtle is an irregularly shaped evergreen plant. Hedge Spacing for Wax Myrtle. To produce an unbroken hedge, your wax myrtles must be no farther apart than their eventual spread, usually about 20 or 25 feet. Other Landscape Uses. Wax Myrtle Pruning and Culture.

What type of tree is wax myrtle?

Myrica cerifera is a small tree or large shrub native to North and Central America and the Caribbean. Its common names include southern wax myrtle, southern bayberry , candleberry, bayberry tree, and tallow shrub. It sees uses both in the garden and for candlemaking, as well as a medicinal plant.

How tall is wax myrtle?

Wax Myrtle. This evergreen shrub grows from 6 to 12 feet in width and can reach 20 feet in height with a wispy appearance. The large spread of this plant makes it a good choice for screening though it can be pruned to a small multi-trunk tree. Since it is a Texas native this plant is very hardy . Common Name: Waxmyrtle.

What size is wax myrtle?

Wax Myrtle will quickly grow into a shrub or small tree 15 to 20 feet tall and as much across. The glossy leaves are evergreen and are 3-4 inches long and up to 2 inches wide, although usually narrower. The leaves have a pleasant, spicy smell. As a tree, Wax Myrtle will have several trunks with smooth, grey-brown bark.