Waxmyrtle (Morella cerifera) is a large shrub (sometimes considered a small tree) that grows naturally in wetlands, river margins, sand dunes, pine barrens, hillsides, and upland forests. It is evergreen in the southern parts of its range but semi-evergreen further north. Specimens growing in drier/sandier soil are shrub-like with smaller leaves, while specimens growing in damp/richer soil are tree-like with bigger leaves. Waxmyrtle needs constant moisture when first planted, but once established it will grow in a wide range of soil conditions. The glossy leaves are aromatic when crushed, helping to make it deer resistant. The flowers (male and female catkins) aren’t showy, but they are fragrant and attract native pollinators, and the pollinated female flowers are followed by clusters of tiny, blue-gray berries. The fruit is an important winter food source for birds that can digest the waxy coating, such as the Carolina wren, and the evergreen foliage provides excellent winter and extreme weather cover for native wildlife. Waxmyrtle fruit was once commonly used to make candles and soaps, hence another common name  Candleberry. It is a larval host for the Red-Banded Hairstreak butterfly, among others. The aromatic compounds in Waxmyrtle are flammable, so use caution when planting in fire-prone areas.

*Note: Our selection of Waxmyrtle is a mixed lot of male and female plants. We cannot guarantee which you will receive. While male and female flowers are usually on separate plants, sometimes a plant produces both male and female flowers or bisexual flowers.

Direct Native Plants ships from our nurseries in Middle River, Maryland, and Woodstock, Illinois. Orders are shipped via FedEx Ground from these locations and typically arrive at most destinations within two (2) business days from the day they ship.

To get your plants to you as quickly and efficiently as possible, we ship orders based on current inventory availability and your proximity to our nurseries. This helps ensure faster delivery and the best experience for your order. In some cases, items in the same order may ship from different locations.