{"product_id":"pacific-wax-myrtle-myrica-californica","title":"Myrica Californica (Pacific Wax Myrtle)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Landscape with California's Native Evergreen Beauty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMyrica californica is a fast-growing evergreen shrub native to the Pacific Coast of North America, offering year-round privacy screening, wildlife habitat, and striking foliage effect-all with minimal long-term care. Also known as pacific wax myrtle, california bayberry, or california wax myrtle, this versatile native plant delivers what non-native hedges simply can't: authentic resilience in California's coastal climates with cool, wet winters and dry summers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you need a dense living screen, a sculptural small tree, or a wildlife-friendly anchor for a sustainable garden, Myrica californica adapts to your vision. It flourishes in coastal areas, thrives in challenging soils from sand to clay, and rewards you with glossy, narrow, serrated leaves that are aromatic-releasing a spicy aroma when crushed. This is the plant California gardens were made for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love It\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear-Round Privacy\u003c\/strong\u003e – The dense foliage provides excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife while creating a natural, impenetrable screen. Upright stems and thick branching from the base mean no gaps-even in winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife Magnet\u003c\/strong\u003e – Myrica californica produces waxy purple berries that persist from fall through winter, offering critical season food when other sources are scarce. This plant attracts birds and butterflies to your yard throughout the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought Resilient\u003c\/strong\u003e – Myrica californica thrives in wet soils but is drought tolerant once established. After the first year of regular irrigation, it handles California's dry summers without supplemental watering in most coastal and valley locations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Growth\u003c\/strong\u003e – It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth, but tolerates conditions from full sun to deep shade. Whether your site faces afternoon shade in a canyon or open coastal exposure, this plant performs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEasy Maintenance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Responds beautifully to pruning and shaping. It can be sheared into formal hedges or left to develop its natural rounded form-either way, it stands ordinary garden culture with grace.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/privacy-trees\"\u003eprivacy trees and shrubs\u003c\/a\u003e used in California-like leyland cypress, privet, or pittosporum-demand heavy watering, frequent fertilizing, and ongoing pest management. They weren't built for this climate. Myrica californica offers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia Native Heritage\u003c\/strong\u003e – A member of the family Myricaceae and the genus Myrica (recently referred to as Morella californica in a recent treatment reclassifying it into the genus Morella), this species is naturally adapted to the soils, rainfall patterns, and microclimates of the Pacific Coast. Its native range extends from Vancouver Island in British Columbia through coastal Washington, Oregon, and down to southern California-including habitats near the Santa Monica mountains, canyons, and coastal valleys. It grows alongside redwood forest edges and in closed cone pine forest communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAromatic Foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e – Unlike standard screening plants, the leaves of pacific wax myrtle release a pleasant, bay leaves-like spicy aroma when crushed. The foliage effect is striking: lanceolate, glossy green leaves measuring 4–13 cm long and 0.7–3 cm wide provide a lush, textured look that surpasses most alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-Season Interest\u003c\/strong\u003e – Myrica californica produces small yellow-green flowers in spring on inconspicuous catkins, followed by spherical fruits in fall-4–6.5 mm purple drupes coated in natural wax. Berries persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds when your garden needs it most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to related species like Myrica gale (bog myrtle) from Europe, Asia, and northeastern North America, or Myrica hartwegii (california native sierra myrtle), the pacific wax myrtle is specifically adapted to West Coast maritime conditions. It is also more versatile than non-native hedging options like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/wax-leaf-privet\"\u003eWaxleaf Privet\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/pittosporum-silver-sheen-pittosporum-tenuifolium-silver-sheen\"\u003ePittosporum Silver Sheen\u003c\/a\u003e, which require more water and chemical inputs to maintain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow Myrica Californica Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant in Optimal Location\u003c\/strong\u003e Choose a site based on your desired sun exposure-full sun yields denser foliage and more berries, while partial shade or afternoon shade is accepted in warmer inland areas. For hedges, space separate plants 6–10 feet apart depending on desired density. Myrica californica adapts to sand, clay, and well-drained to moist soils with a pH range of roughly 5.5–7.5. It is used in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Myrica_californica\"\u003erestoration projects\u003c\/a\u003e due to its moderate-to-fast growth and high transplanting success.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEstablish Root System\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first year while roots develop deep, healthy networks. The shrub's nitrogen-fixing root nodules allow it to grow even in soils low in nitrogen, reducing the need for fertilization. It captures excess moisture after rains and manages local microclimates, making it a desirable choice for ecological and practical garden design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShape as Desired\u003c\/strong\u003e Prune in spring for best results. Shape into a formal hedge, an informal screen, or train into a single- or multi-stem small tree by removing lower branches to reveal smooth silvery bark. Pruning improves air circulation and helps prevent foliar blight-the primary disease concern for this species, especially in shaded or poorly ventilated plantings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlant Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003ccol\u003e\n\u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecification\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetail\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMyrica californica\u003c\/em\u003e (syn. \u003cem\u003eMorella californica\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMyricaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePacific Wax Myrtle, California Bayberry, California Wax Myrtle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height ranges from 10 to 30 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature Width\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature width can reach 10 to 20 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to fast (very fast during the first 10 years)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMyrica californica thrives in USDA Zones 7 to 10\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun to deep shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand, clay, well-drained to moist; slightly acidic to neutral\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWater needs are moderate and regular; drought tolerant once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAromatic leaves, wildlife berries, salt tolerance, nitrogen-fixing roots\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSalt \u0026amp; Wind\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMyrica californica is highly resistant to salt spray and strong winds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlope Stability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt stabilizes slopes and prevents erosion due to its extensive root system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMyrica californica acts as a living windbreak against harsh marine weather, making it an ideal choice for exposed coast and garden sites. The shrub's dense canopy provides nesting sites and protection from predators for local bird species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/best-privacy-bushes-top-varieties-for-your-secluded-sanctuary\"\u003enative privacy screening\u003c\/a\u003e that won't demand constant watering or chemical treatments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEco-conscious gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e building wildlife-friendly landscapes with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/california-natives\"\u003eCalifornia native plants\u003c\/a\u003e that support local ecology\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscapers and designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating sustainable, low-water gardens-suitable for projects from coastal estates to urban \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/drought-tolerant\"\u003edrought tolerant\u003c\/a\u003e plantings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners\u003c\/strong\u003e needing a versatile plant for challenging sites: wind-exposed coast, salty air, sandy bluffs, streamside edges, or shaded canyons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want authentic California landscaping that grows with purpose and beauty, Myrica californica fits your needs. It pairs beautifully with other native shrubs like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-lilac-ceanothus\"\u003eCeanothus (California Lilac)\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/white-sage-plant-salvia-apiana\"\u003eWhite Sage\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-buckwheat-eriogonum-fasciculatum\"\u003eCalifornia Buckwheat\u003c\/a\u003e for a complete native garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e Myrica californica grows at a moderate to fast rate-especially during the first 5–10 years after planting, when height gains of 1–2 feet per year are common in favorable coastal conditions. Berry production typically begins 2–4 years after planting. Observations from Pacific Northwest gardens confirm very fast early establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need much water?\u003c\/strong\u003e Regular irrigation during the first year is essential to establish deep roots. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant, particularly in coastal and maritime climates. Avoid overwatering-soggy roots increase disease risk. In most California garden settings, supplemental irrigation can be reduced or eliminated after the first growing season.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I shape it into a hedge?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely. Pacific wax myrtle responds excellently to pruning and can be sheared into formal hedges or maintained as an informal screen. For a narrow, formal look, regular spring pruning keeps the shape tight. It can also be trained as a small tree with lower branches removed for a specimen accent. Browse our full selection of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/fast-growing-hedging-plants\"\u003efast growing hedging plants\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/tall-evergreen-hedging-plants-for-sale\"\u003etall evergreen hedging plants\u003c\/a\u003e for more options.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it attract wildlife?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. The waxy purple berries provide food for birds from late summer through winter-a critical period when other food sources are scarce. The dense evergreen canopy offers nesting sites, shelter, and protection. This plant attracts birds and butterflies, and it also serves as a larval host for certain moths and butterflies. Note that if berry production is a goal, both male and female separate plants may be needed, as this species can exhibit dioecious traits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre there any disease concerns?\u003c\/strong\u003e The primary risk is foliar blight caused by Phytophthora, which affects leaves produced in late fall and winter. Plants grown in deep shade or poorly ventilated sites are most vulnerable. Preventative pruning in spring, good air circulation, and cleanup of fallen debris are accepted best practices for control. Otherwise, few serious pests affect this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes it different from other bayberry species?\u003c\/strong\u003e Unlike Myrica gale (bog myrtle) from Europe, Asia, and Africa, or bayberry species from northeastern North America, the pacific wax myrtle is specifically adapted to West Coast climates. It is also distinct from Myrica hartwegii, the california native sierra myrtle found in mountain canyons. The recent treatment by taxonomists has led to Myrica californica being renamed and sometimes referred to under the genus Morella, though most nurseries-including references from Theodore Payne Foundation and San Marcos Growers-still use the accepted name Myrica californica.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Transform Your Yard?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose \u003cstrong\u003eMyrica californica\u003c\/strong\u003e and experience the beauty, resilience, and ecological value of a true California native evergreen shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're planting a privacy hedge, a windbreak along the coast, or a specimen tree in your \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/blogs\/news\/how-to-get-a-california-style-backyard\"\u003eCalifornia-style backyard\u003c\/a\u003e, this is the plant that delivers-year after year.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"15 Gallon","offer_id":41237385543853,"sku":"","price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"24\" Box","offer_id":41237385576621,"sku":"","price":695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 Gallon","offer_id":41700636098733,"sku":"","price":69.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/products\/ScreenShot2022-08-03at3.56.45PM.png?v=1707260321","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/pacific-wax-myrtle-myrica-californica","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}