How much sun does Pacific waxmyrtle need?

Pacific waxmyrtle grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pacific waxmyrtle bloom?

Pacific waxmyrtle blooms in March and April.

Where is Pacific waxmyrtle native?

Pacific waxmyrtle (Myrica californica) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pacific waxmyrtle attract?

Pacific waxmyrtle draws wind-pollinated.

Pacific waxmyrtle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Myrica californica

Last reviewed: November 2026

Pacific waxmyrtle (Myrica californica) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Pacific waxmyrtle, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Pacific waxmyrtle (Myrica 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

96"–300" H × 96"–180" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

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 461 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

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

A dense, glossy-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with aromatic leaves and inconspicuous flowers followed by small waxy blue-gray berries. It forms a tidy, screening hedge along the coast and tolerates salt spray well.

Growing Pacific waxmyrtle

Grow Pacific waxmyrtle in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 96 to 300 inches tall and spread 96 to 180 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The waxy berries are an unusual high-fat food source that sustains yellow-rumped warblers and other birds through winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Pacific waxmyrtle need?: Pacific waxmyrtle grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pacific waxmyrtle bloom?: Pacific waxmyrtle blooms in March and April.
Where is Pacific waxmyrtle native?: Pacific waxmyrtle (Myrica californica) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Pacific waxmyrtle attract?: Pacific waxmyrtle 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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Pacific waxmyrtle? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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