Myrica californica, commonly known as California or Pacific wax myrtle, is native to most of the California, Oregon and Washington coasts and as far north as Vancouver Island. It is a beautiful evergreen shrub with fragrant, glossy leaves, inconspicuous spring flowers and small purple-black berries in the fall. Wax myrtle can grow from 15' - 25' feet tall and half as wide. Normally multi-trunked, it may be pruned into a small specimen tree if desired. In its multi-trunked form, it makes a great addition to a hedgerow, providing cover for birds and small mammals. Birds are fond of its fall fruit. As a garden plant in rural areas, it has the added benefit of being deer resistant.

Grow Myrica californica in sun to part shade in coastal areas. Grown further inland, it will appreciate more shade than full sun. While drought tolerant when established, it will look its best with some supplemental water.

You will find Pacific wax myrtle planted beside the flowering currant near the south entrance to the Buck Lake Native Plant Garden.