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24 wrz 2022 · The Southern Wax Myrtle, also known as the Bayberry, is a versatile evergreen shrub that thrives in a variety of habitats across Florida. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in coastal dunes, pine flatwoods, and wetland margins, making it a common sight in both natural and cultivated landscapes.
Fast-growing, Morella cerifera (Southern Wax Myrtle) is a densely bushy, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, aromatic, oblanceolate, olive green leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm). The foliage emits a bayberry candle fragrance when crushed.
Wax myrtle is a fast-growing, hardy native plant that can take tough conditions - heat, cold, wet and even salty areas. The dense, fine-textured foliage can be nicely manicured to create a more formal look, or let the plant grow into its natural upright, bushy form.
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Wax myrtles are an excellent choice for the Florida yard, especially coastal areas. Also called Southern bayberry, its name derives from the waxy berries, which were once harvested to make bayberry candles. Today, the wax myrtle is better appreciated for its easy care and salt tolerance.
It is native to the coastal plain from southern New Jersey into the Florida Keys to eastern Texas and southeast Oklahoma down into Central America. The leathery, shiny deep green leaves range from 1.5 to 4.5 inches long by 1/3 to 2 inches wide and have the wonderful bayberry fragrance when crushed.
Wax Myrtle, photographed at Sweetbay Natural Area, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, in February 2018. There's a pretty good chance you'll find wax myrtle, Myrica cerifera, sitting somewhere in your house. Perhaps even in your refrigerator.
