Pacific Waxmyrtle

Morella californica (Myricaceae), formerly Myrica californica, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to the coast from southern British Columbia to southern California. It grows to about 33 feet tall with a dense, upright, multi-stemmed habit. Glossy dark green lanceolate leaves are dotted with black and yellow glands. Small yellow catkin flowers are inconspicuous. Warty blue-purple to black fruit (6 mm) has a white waxy coating.

Pacific waxmyrtle grows in full sun on soils ranging from wet and anaerobic to moderately dry, with moderate drought and salt tolerance. Like other Myricaceae, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodule symbiosis, allowing it to colonize poor soils. The waxy fruit was historically used for candle and soap making, though it lacks the fragrance of the eastern M. pensylvanica. Hardy in Zones 7a to 8b.