Southern wax myrtle
Myrica cerifera
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
60"–240" H × 60"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
TX, LA, MS, AL and 7 more states
A dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub or small tree with narrow, aromatic olive-green leaves that release a resinous scent when crushed. Produces inconspicuous spring flowers followed by clusters of small, waxy gray-blue berries on female plants. Fast-growing and adaptable, tolerating wet or dry soils and salt exposure.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern wax myrtle is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: street edge, mid zone, backyard only.
- can sucker and form dense thickets if not maintained
- mature size may be too large for tight foundation beds
Wildlife value
Host plant for red-banded hairstreak.
Waxy berries persist into winter and are an important cold-season food source for birds, while dense evergreen branching offers year-round cover.
Common questions
- How much sun does Southern wax myrtle need?
- Southern wax myrtle grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Southern wax myrtle bloom?
- Southern wax myrtle blooms in March and April.
- Where is Southern wax myrtle native?
- Southern wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera) is native to TX, LA, MS, AL and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What butterflies or moths does Southern wax myrtle host?
- Southern wax myrtle is a larval host plant for red-banded hairstreak.
- Is Southern wax myrtle HOA-friendly?
- Southern wax myrtle is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Southern wax myrtle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.