Pacific Wax Myrtle

5 Gallon

$49.00

1/2

Pacific Wax Myrtle

Myrica californica

A fast-growing, wildlife-friendly California native ideal for tall, resilient coastal screens and hedges.

$49.00

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+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Pacific Wax Myrtle is a superb, fast-growing California native evergreen shrub or small tree, valued for its toughness, wildlife value, and versatility. Its aromatic, glossy green leaves and dense, upright form make it an excellent choice for a tall, fast privacy screen, windbreak, or habitat hedge. It produces inconspicuous flowers followed by clusters of waxy, purple-gray berries that are a crucial food source for birds. Exceptionally tolerant of coastal conditions, drought, and poor soils, it is a cornerstone plant for sustainable and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Excellent Native Screen: Grows rapidly into a dense, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, reaching 10-30 feet tall, perfect for creating quick privacy and wind protection.
Wildlife Habitat Superstar: Berries provide essential winter food for numerous bird species, including band-tailed pigeons and waxwings. Host plant for butterfly larvae.
Extreme Coastal & Drought Hardiness: Highly resistant to salt spray, wind, and drought once established. Thrives in sandy, poor soils.
Aromatic Foliage: Leaves are fragrant when crushed, releasing a pleasant bayberry scent.
Low Maintenance & Fire Resistant: Requires little to no water once established and is considered a good fire-resistant landscape plant due to its high moisture content.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Slender aromatic leaves with fine serrations, glossy dark green above, paler beneath,Flowers: Insignificant yellow catkins (spring),Fruit: Dense clusters of purple waxy berries (fall-winter),Bark: Smooth gray-brown with aromatic glands,Growth Habit: Multi-trunked, fountain-like evergreen
Mature Height: 10-30 ft
Mature Width: 10-20 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate (12-24" annually)
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Exceptional coastal tolerance,Year-round ecological value,Drought resistant,Fire-resistant landscaping,Low maintenance
Landscape Uses:Coastal windbreaks,Privacy screens,Wildlife gardens,Erosion control,Native plantings

Q: Is it male or female? Do I need two for berries?
A: This species is dioecious. Only female plants produce berries, and they require a male plant nearby for pollination. For a berry-producing hedge, ensure you have both sexes, or purchase named cultivars that are known to be female if berries are desired.

Q: Can it be pruned into a formal hedge?
A: Yes, it shears very well. It can be maintained as a dense formal hedge or screen at almost any height. For a more natural look, it can be selectively pruned to form a small, multi-trunked tree. Prune in late winter.