Common Name(s): Crape Myrtle

Synonym(s):

Family: Lythraceae

Native To: India, China, and Korea

Native Habitat: Full sun and rich moist soils

Growth Habit: Multi-trunked, small, deciduous tree

Flowering: Very showy flowers in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: This small tree/shrub grows to heights of about 10 to 30 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. The crown is in the shape of a vase with a symmetrical canopy. While it does not grow on a single trunk, it can be trained to do so. The bark is thin and easily damaged. It is usually light gray with dark spots. The leaves are oval and about 2 to 4 inches long. The leaves are dull green in color, turning orange, red, and yellow in the fall before they drop. This small tree produces a large number of very showy flowers from mid July through October. Flower color differs greatly depending on variety, but common colors are lavender, pink, purple, red, and white. The flowers are 1 to 2 inches wide. The fruit that forms is dry and hard, oval, brown, and about ½ inch wide.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Commonly named crape myrtle because of its flower petals that resemble crepe paper. The small tree was introduced to Europe from China and India in 1759 and made its way to the America’s in the late 18th century. While it is commonly called a myrtle, it is not a true member of the Myrtle family.

Ethnobotany: Crape myrtle is a highly popular ornamental. It is sold extensively as a colorful shrub or small tree for landscapes and home gardens. The crape myrtle aphid, which is host specific to this species, attracts a wide variety of beneficial insects that feed on them. For this reason, the crape myrtle is being planted in many pecan orchards and used even more extensively in landscapes where there is a pest issue.

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