Myrica californica
Pacific Wax Myrtle
Myricaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs
MYRICAThe two species described here are coastal natives: one comes from the Pacific coast; the other comes from the Atlantic. Both are cultivated for their attractive, pleasantly aromatic foliage. Flowers are inconspicuous, but the fruits that follow are effective in autumn and winter. Plants are useful as screens and as informal or clipped hedges.
Myrica californicaNative to coast and coastal valleys from Southern California to Washington. In windy oceanfront conditions, it can be a low, flattened mass. Grown out of wind, it’s a big shrub or tree 10 to 30 ft. tall and wide, usually with many upright trunks. One of the best-looking native plants for gardens. Branches are densely clad with tooth-edged, narrow, 2 to 4 1/2-in.-long leaves that are glossy dark green above, paler beneath, and clean looking throughout the year. Purplish, wax-coated nutlets are attractive to birds.
Pinus contorta contorta
Native along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Northern California. Grows fairly quickly to 20–35...
Hypericum coris
From Europe. Grows 6–12 in. tall and about 1 ft.wide, with narrow, medium green, 1/2–1-in....
Lonicera nitida
Evergreen shrub. Native to southwestern China. To 11 ft. tall and 10 ft. wide. Branches densely clothe...
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