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Southern Wax Myrtle Tree
Southern Wax Myrtle Tree
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Morella cerifera, formerly Myrica cerifera
Southern Wax Myrtle Tree –
The Southern Wax Myrtle Tree is a fast-growing, evergreen native shrub or small tree prized for its aromatic foliage, wildlife-friendly berries, and adaptability to tough sites. Its smooth gray bark, olive-green leaves, and dense branching make it an ideal choice for hedgerows, privacy screens, and habitat restoration.
Naturally found in southeastern woodlands, wetlands, and coastal areas, this versatile species thrives in poor soils, resists deer browsing, and supports birds year-round with its waxy, blue-gray fruit.
Southern Wax Myrtle Tree Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Morella cerifera (syn. Myrica cerifera) |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Southern Wax Myrtle, Bayberry, Waxmyrtle |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 10–20 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 8–15 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–4 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 7–11 |
| ❄️ Chill Hours | 200–300 hours |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best growth in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Tolerates sandy, loamy, clay, and poorly drained soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Acidic to slightly alkaline (5.0–7.5) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low to moderate; drought and flood tolerant |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring |
| 🫐 Fruit Type | Small, blue-gray waxy berries on female plants |
| 🐝 Pollination | Requires male and female plants for fruit set; wind pollinated |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Multi-stemmed, dense, rounded or vase-shaped |
| ↔️ Spacing | 6–10 ft for screens; 10–15 ft for specimen use |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Privacy hedges, coastal gardens, wildlife borders, windbreaks |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌿 Provides dense cover and year-round foliage for birds and wildlife
🫐 Produces nutritious berries for overwintering birds
🌱 Tolerates salt spray, wind, drought, and flooding
🌎 Supports native ecosystems and erosion control efforts
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Fast-growing and evergreen with dense foliage | 🫐 Only female plants produce fruit and require a male nearby |
| 🐦 Excellent habitat plant for birds and beneficial insects | ✂️ Occasional pruning may be needed for shaping or size control |
| 🌞 Extremely adaptable to soil and site conditions | 🌱 Shallow roots may compete with nearby plants |
| 🧬 Native, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance | 💧 Needs supplemental water during extreme drought |
| 🏡 Useful for privacy, windbreaks, and habitat restoration | ❄️ Limited cold hardiness north of Zone 7 |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Water deeply before and after planting; ensure good root hydration
🕳️ Dig a wide hole twice the root spread; plant at soil line level
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches around the base to retain moisture and block weeds
💦 Water weekly during the first season; becomes drought-tolerant with age
✂️ Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or rejuvenate
🧪 Fertilize in early spring with compost or low-nitrogen native shrub blend
The Southern Wax Myrtle Tree is a versatile native performer offering fragrant foliage, fast growth, wildlife value, and evergreen beauty all year long. Whether planted as a screening hedge, restoration anchor, or pollinator-friendly backdrop, this resilient shrub delivers ecological benefits and landscape function in any setting.
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