PNW Native
Ranges from southern Vancouver Island through California (J) The shrub ranges from 2 – 6 m tall and has evergreen leaves with black dots present on them and pointed ends. Flowers are small but fruits are dark, clustered, and appealing. (PNW native plants)
Migrating birds eat the small purple fruits during their autumnal migrations (P) An important nitrogen fixing bacteria lives in the roots of Pacific wax myrtle.
Dried berries yielded a brown and a maroon purple dye. Wax from the berry pulp was used in soups and to make fragrant candles. (J)
Pacific wax myrtle is used as a windbreak planting and protects against soil erosion. It can provide residential thermal protection and cover against excessive heat and cold, which can aid in minimizing heating and cooling bills. This is especially important in places with harsh winters. (J) Pacific wax myrtle is also an excellent planting for screening against windstorms and harsh salt-rich coastal winds.
[1] Jammie Favorite. (2002). PACIFIC WAXMYRTLE Morella californica. formerly USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_moca6.pdf
[2] Putnam, M. L., Serdani, M., Curtis, M., & Angima, S. (2011). Phytophthora leaf blight–a new disease of California wax-myrtle (Morella californica) in Oregon, USA caused by a Phytophthora species. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science, 41(Suppl.).
