Myrica californica

From California Natives Wiki

Species Name: Myrica californica
Common Name: Pacific Wax Myrtle

Recommended as a fast growing hedge or small tree. Leaves are fragrant. Roots are nitrogen-fixing. Does best on coast in part sun. Inland give extra water and more shade.

Plant Family: Myricaceae

Plant Type: Shrub

Height by Width: 20-30' H x 15-20' W

Growth Habit: Upright, with spreading limbs

Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen

Growth Rate: Fast

Sun Exposure: Part sun to shade

Soil Preference: Adaptable

Water Requirements: Occasional to regular

Cold Hardy to: 35 degrees F

Flower Season: Spring

Flower Color: Yellowish

Endangered?: Not listed

Distribution: North Coast Range, Western Klamath Range, Outer North Coast Range, Central Coast, Western San Francisco Bay, South Coast Ranges

Natural Habitat: Coastal dunes and scrub, closed cone pine and redwood forests to 500'

Care and Maintenance

History

• From California Native Plants, Theodore Payne's 1941 catalog: "A rare and beautiful shrub or small tree of dense branching habit, attaining a height of 8 to 30 feet, with handsome oblong dark glossy green foliage. Found in canyons in the Santa Monica mountains and from there northward near the coast. For foliage effect it is one of the most desirable of the native shrubs. It stands ordinary garden culture quite well and will grow well in shade. Gallon cans, $1.00; 5 gallon cans, $2.50."

Other Names

References

• Bornstein, Carol, David Fross, and Bart O'Brien. California Native Plants for the Garden. Los Olivos, CA: Cachuma Press. 2005.

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