Southern waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Family: Myricaceae
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| Form:
This is an evergreen shrub species. |
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Leaves: Shape: oblanceolate Margin: entire Texture: glaucous above, glabrous below Variation: parallel |
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| Bark:
It has thin gray-brown bark. |
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| Twigs and Buds:
Slender twigs have brown pubescence. |
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| Flowers and Fruit:
Grayish berries are retained along stems. The fruit is wax coated. |
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| Distinguishing Characteristics:
This is an evergreen that is typically smaller than American holly. Look for the persistent berries and the lanceolate leaf shape with the spinose margin. |
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| Range:
New Jersey south to Florida west to east Texas, along the coastal plain |
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| Silvics:
It is shade tolerant. |
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| Ecological and Cultural Importance:
Provides year round cover for wildlife and a variety of birds eat the berries. |
