description Morella cerifera Overview
Morella cerifera, commonly called southern wax myrtle, is an evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It has narrow, aromatic leaves and small gray-blue fruits coated with wax. The species tolerates coastal exposure and moist soils, provides food and cover for wildlife, and has historically supplied wax used in fragrant bayberry-style candles.
help Morella cerifera FAQ
Can I use the berries from the Morella cerifera shrub to make candles?
Yes, the gray-blue fruits of the southern wax myrtle are covered in a natural wax that can be extracted by boiling. Historically, early American colonists and settlers in the southeastern United States gathered these berries to produce aromatic bayberry candles.
Is Morella cerifera an evergreen or deciduous plant?
Morella cerifera is typically an evergreen shrub or small tree in the warmer climates of its native range. In the colder edges of the southeastern United States, it may act as a semi-evergreen, dropping some of its aromatic leaves during freezing winter weather.
How fast does southern wax myrtle grow for a privacy hedge?
Southern wax myrtle is known to be a fast-growing plant, frequently adding several feet of new growth per year under optimal conditions. Because it forms a dense screen and tolerates pruning exceptionally well, it is a highly popular choice for privacy hedges in the southeastern United States.
Does the Morella cerifera shrub help fix nitrogen in poor soils?
Yes, Morella cerifera is a nitrogen-fixing plant thanks to a symbiotic relationship with bacteria in its root system. This trait allows it to thrive in nutrient-poor, sandy soils commonly found across the coastal plains of the southeastern United States.
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