Common name:Pacific Wax Myrtle
Botanical name:Myrica californica

This Oregon native is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that reaches 4-6' tall and wide. This attractive plant is upright and somewhat open loose stems that clothe the plant. Leaves are narrow, long and dark green. Small flowers bloom in spring but are inconspicuous unless plant is in full sun; in that case, flowers are red and more noticeable. Round green fruit turn to purple, then black and have a warty surface, usually in fall, attracting birds. This shrub does well in full sun with moist, well-draining soil. It tolerates wet soil and coastal conditions. Established plants are drought tolerant. This is a beautiful shrub for a privacy hedge. Prune crossing branches to maintain vertical structure of plant.