Wax Myrtle

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Morella cerifera

Last reviewed: September 2026

Wax myrtle is a fast growing evergreen shrub that blooms in March through May and tolerates both wet, boggy soil and drier upland sites. It works well as a hedge or screen in warm, humid climates along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

Toxicity unknown

Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Wax Myrtle as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–240" H × 48"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

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 452 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

Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Piedmont Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Wax Myrtle is a versatile evergreen shrub native to Texas that can be maintained as a compact hedge or allowed to grow into a small tree. It produces small waxy berries that persist through winter and has aromatic foliage that releases a pleasant scent when brushed. This adaptable plant tolerates various soil conditions and requires minimal care once established.

Growing Wax Myrtle

Grow Wax Myrtle in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Wax Myrtle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

Attracts butterflies during its spring bloom period and provides important food for birds through its waxy berries. The dense evergreen foliage offers year-round nesting sites and shelter for wildlife.

Common questions

How much water does wax myrtle need?: Wax myrtle grows well with medium moisture but tolerates a wide range, from wet low areas near ponds and marsh edges to drier, sandy upland soil once established.
When does wax myrtle bloom?: Wax myrtle produces small, inconspicuous flowers from March through May, followed later in the season by the waxy bluish berries that give the plant its name.
Does wax myrtle attract wildlife?: Wax myrtle draws butterflies to its flowers, and its dense evergreen branches offer good cover for birds, while the berries provide winter food for many species.
How much sun does wax myrtle need?: Wax myrtle grows best in full sun but adjusts well to part sun or part shade, though flowering and density are usually fuller with more direct light.
Is Wax Myrtle toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wax Myrtle as toxic to livestock.
Is Wax Myrtle HOA-friendly?: Wax Myrtle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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

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Common questions

How much water does wax myrtle need?

Wax myrtle grows well with medium moisture but tolerates a wide range, from wet low areas near ponds and marsh edges to drier, sandy upland soil once established.

When does wax myrtle bloom?

Wax myrtle produces small, inconspicuous flowers from March through May, followed later in the season by the waxy bluish berries that give the plant its name.

Does wax myrtle attract wildlife?

Wax myrtle draws butterflies to its flowers, and its dense evergreen branches offer good cover for birds, while the berries provide winter food for many species.

How much sun does wax myrtle need?

Wax myrtle grows best in full sun but adjusts well to part sun or part shade, though flowering and density are usually fuller with more direct light.

Is Wax Myrtle toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Wax Myrtle as toxic to livestock.

Is Wax Myrtle HOA-friendly?

Wax Myrtle takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides