Wax Myrtle

Wax myrtles are an excellent choice for the Florida yard, especially coastal areas. Its name derives from the waxy berries, which were once harvested for candle-making. Today, the wax myrtle is better appreciated for its easy care and salt tolerance. This native shrub thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soil; it's also a host for butterflies and provides food and shelter for birds.

UF/IFAS Sites

• Florida Forest Trees: Wax Myrtle
• Florida Plant ID: Wax Myrtle
• Southern Bayberry or Wax Myrtle, Myrica cerifera

UF/IFAS Publications

• 50 Common Native Plants Important In Florida's Ethnobotanical History
• Attract Birds to Your Yard for Hours of Enjoyment (PDF)
• December is a Good Time for Planting Small Evergreens (PDF)
• Myrica cerifera: Southern Waxmyrtle
• Native Florida Plants for Home Landscapes
• Redbanded Hairstreak (Butterfly), Calycopis cecrops
• Wax Myrtle, Southern Bayberry (PDF)

Also on Gardening in a Minute

• Lobate Lac Scale
• Salt-Tolerant Plants

Other Sites

• Learning About Wax Myrtle--Louisiana State University's Coastal Roots Program (PDF)
• Myrica cerifera--Floridata.com
• Wax Myrtle--Clemson (SC) Extension
• Wax Myrtle--Duke University (NC)
• Wax Myrtle, Southern Bayberry--Institute for Regional Conservation
• Wax Myrtle--Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center