Morella Pubescens

Description

Morella Pubescens, also known as wax myrtle, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Myricaceae family. Native to North America, it can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, with a dense, rounded crown of foliage. Its leaves are lance-shaped and glossy, with a slightly wavy edge. The bark is gray and smooth, often shedding in thin flakes. In the fall, the plant produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, followed by blue-gray berries that attract birds.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fagales
Family	Myricaceae
Genus	Morella

Appearance

Morella Pubescens has a dense, rounded crown of foliage that can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Its leaves are glossy, lance-shaped, and slightly wavy, with a dark green color that turns yellow in the fall. The bark is gray and smooth, often shedding in thin flakes. In the fall, the plant produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in clusters, followed by blue-gray berries that attract birds.

Care Guide

Morella Pubescens is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep your wax myrtle healthy and thriving:- Water: Wax myrtle is drought-tolerant and can survive with little water, but regular watering will help it grow faster and produce more fruit. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently in the winter.- Fertilization: Wax myrtle does not require fertilizer, but you can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth and fruit production.- Soil: Wax myrtle prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.- Sunlight: Wax myrtle can grow in full sun or partial shade, but it will produce more fruit in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: Wax myrtle is hardy in USDA zones 7-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Wax myrtle is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can sometimes be affected by the following:- Scale insects: These small insects can infest the leaves and stems, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can lead to defoliation. It can be prevented by keeping the plant dry and removing infected leaves.- Canker: This bacterial disease causes sunken, discolored areas on the bark, which can eventually kill the plant. There is no cure for canker, so infected plants should be removed and destroyed.

Habitat

Morella Pubescens is native to North America and can be found in coastal areas from Massachusetts to Florida and west to Texas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, swamps, and sandy beaches. It is commonly used as a landscape plant in gardens and parks.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can Morella Pubescens be grown in containers?

A: Yes, wax myrtle can be grown in containers, but it will not reach its full size and may require more frequent watering and fertilization.

Q: Is Morella Pubescens deer-resistant?

A: Yes, wax myrtle is deer-resistant and can be a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.

Q: How often should I prune Morella Pubescens?

A: Wax myrtle does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in late winter or early spring to control its size and shape.

Q: Can Morella Pubescens be used for hedging?

A: Yes, wax myrtle can be used for hedging and screening, as it has dense foliage and grows quickly.

Related Plants

– Morella Cerifera (Southern Wax Myrtle)- Myrica Gale (Sweet Gale)- Myrica Pensylvanica (Northern Bayberry)- Myrica Rubra (Red Bayberry)

References

– “Morella Pubescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288845.- “Wax Myrtle.” Clemson Cooperative Extension, www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/shrubs/hgic1072.html.- “Morella Pubescens.” Floridata, www.floridata.com/Plants/Myricaceae/Morella%20pubescens/624.