How much sun does California wax myrtle need?

California wax myrtle grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California wax myrtle bloom?

California wax myrtle blooms in April and May.

Where is California wax myrtle native?

California wax myrtle (Morella californica) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California wax myrtle attract?

California wax myrtle draws wind pollinated.

California wax myrtle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Morella californica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

California wax myrtle (Morella californica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–300" H × 60"–180" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

wind pollinated

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A dense, upright evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy aromatic leaves and small waxy blue-gray berries in fall. Tolerates wind and salt spray, and shears cleanly into a formal hedge or screen along the coast.

Wildlife value

Waxy berries are an important fall and winter food source for songbirds, especially during migration.

Common questions

How much sun does California wax myrtle need?: California wax myrtle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California wax myrtle bloom?: California wax myrtle blooms in April and May.
Where is California wax myrtle native?: California wax myrtle (Morella californica) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California wax myrtle attract?: California wax myrtle draws wind pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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