California wax myrtle
Morella californica
Last reviewed: October 2026
California wax myrtle (Morella californica) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw wind pollinated.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Growing California wax myrtle
Grow California wax myrtle in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 60 to 300 inches tall and spread 60 to 180 inches wide.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California wax myrtle? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.