Plant Details

Myrica cerifera

Southern Wax myrtle

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Myrica cerifera.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Southern Wax myrtle
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Wasgagel
French
  • Myrique de Virginie
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Myrica cerifera
Accepted name (Kew): Myrica cerifera L. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Myricaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Myrica (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Southern Wax myrtle
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 6.1–7.62 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Spread: 2.44–3.05 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Growth rate: Fast
Sources [2]
Foliage: Evergreen, Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
Sources [2]
Growth habit: Dense, Erect, Irregular, Multi-stemmed, Multi-trunked, Rounded, Spreading

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [2]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist, Occasional Flooding, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [2]
Soil:
Sand
Sources [2]
pH:
Acid (<6.0)
Sources [2]
Light:
Dappled Sunlight, Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [2]

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment, Fruit, Tea
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(3)
Functions:
Nitrogen fixer, Dye, Hedge, Wax, Wood, Carbon farming, Fragrant

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has a diameter of about 3 mm and contains a large seed. There is little edible flesh and the quality is moderate. The leaves and berries are used as a seasoning in food. They have an aromatic, appealing, and pleasant scent, and can serve as an alternative to bay leaves. They can be used to flavor soups, stews, and other dishes. The dried leaves are used to make strong tea.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 610736; name ID 2501755; Myrica L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 238664; name ID 2500717; Myrica cerifera L..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Myrica cerifera — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 20 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .