Waxmyrtle

Waxmyrtle

Morella cerifera

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Common
Habitat: Forest, Wetland
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

A southern, evergreen, ornamental shrub or tree that is often used for screens, hedges, and landscaping. The Waxmyrtle, often called a “Southern Bayberry,” has a compact form, narrow, waxy leaves, and yellow globular buds in the spring. The good foliage provides excellent nesting cover for birds, and the fruits are eaten by many animals, including the Bobwhite and the Wild Turkey. During periods of controlled burning, the waxy leaves make a cracking noise. Waxmyrtles are used as a source of honey, and the wax is often collected for making scented candles. Height: 6-20’

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fagales
Family: Myricaceae
Genus: Morella
Species: Morella cerifera

Scientific Name

Morella cerifera
Plant Type
Shrub
Foliage
Evergreen
Flowering Season
March-April

Ecological Role

Berries are eaten by birds and wildlife, larval host of the Banded Hairstreak (Satyrium calanus) and the Red-banded Hairstreak (Calycopis cecrops)

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Habitat Types

Forest
Wetland

Geographic Distribution

Native range from New Jersey west to southeast Oklahoma and east Texas, south through Florida and the West Indies and through Mexico to Central America

Local Abundance

Common

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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