Myrica californica

Pacific Waxmyrtle, California Waxmyrtle
Myrica california
Type: Evergreen Large Shrub or Small Tree
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Drought Tolerant Once Established

This dense, evergreen shrub is native to the west coast of North America from California north to Vancouver Island. Growing to 30ft (9m) high by 20ft (6m) wide if growing unpruned in the wild (it’s usually not as large in the garden), the pacific waxmyrtle is usually a multi-trunked, large shrub which can be pruned into a single-stemmed tree, or left in its natural form to act as screening. Pointed, glossy green leaves emerge a lighter green in the spring, then darken as the summer progresses. They have a spicy fragrance when bruised and are reported to attract birds. Small, inconspicuous yellow flowers in early summer are followed by blackish-purple  fruits in September to October, which are also attractive to birds. The name comes from the fact that wax can be rendered from the berries.

Cheers,

John