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Morella californica
California wax myrtle
Pacific coast of North America — southwestern Washington south through Oregon and California; coastal dunes, stream banks, and the edges of coastal forests
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Overview
Morella californica is California wax myrtle (Pacific wax myrtle), an upright evergreen large shrub or small tree growing 10-30 feet (3-9 m) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 m) wide. Inconspicuous greenish catkins in March-April (2 weeks). Waxy purple-gray berries 0.2 inch (5 mm) on female plants in fall through winter. Glossy dark green aromatic lance-shaped leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) with resinous gland dots beneath. In Myricaceae. Formerly Myrica californica. Nitrogen-fixing (actinorhizal with Frankia). Dioecious — female plants produce waxy berries (historically used for bayberry candles). Native to the Pacific coast from Washington to California. The large mature size (10-30 feet / 3-9 m) requires ample space — this is the primary spatial limitation. Tolerates salt spray, wind, and poor sandy soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Smooth gray bark. Deer-resistant. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10. Full sun to partial shade. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to the Pacific coast of North America — southwestern Washington south through Oregon and California. Found on coastal dunes, stream banks, and edges of coastal forests.Suggested Uses
Grown as an evergreen screen, windbreak, coastal hedge, or small tree, spaced 10-20 feet (3-6 m). Salt- and wind-tolerant. Nitrogen-fixing. Native to Pacific Coast. Non-toxic. Zones 7-10.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years
Bloom Information
Early spring (March-April). Inconspicuous greenish catkins 0.3-0.5 inch (8-13 mm) at leaf axils. 2 weeks. Dioecious. Wind-pollinated. Waxy purple-gray berries on female plants follow in fall.Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Glossy dark green above, paler with resinous gland dots beneath, lance-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm), aromatic when bruised (resinous, bay-like scent); evergreen year-roundGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (4-10 hours). Well-drained soil pH 5.0-7.5. Tolerates salt spray, wind, and poor sandy soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Nitrogen-fixing. Dioecious (plant female for berries). Prune in early spring (February-March). Non-toxic. Deer-resistant. Zones 7-10.Pruning
Prune in early spring (February-March) to shape. Can be trained as a single-trunk small tree or maintained as a multi-stemmed large shrub. Tolerates hard renovation pruning.Pruning Schedule
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early spring