Quick answer: Southern wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically , verified 16 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | High |
| Soil | moist, wet |
| Bloom | Slightly acidic, moist, deep sands, loams, clays |
| Height | Mar-Apr |
| Wildlife value | Typically 6-12 ft, up to 40 ft; Berries eaten by many bird species; larval host for Banded Hairstreak and Red-banded Hairstreak butterflies |
Invasive / regulated
USDA Native Status HI (I) — considered invasive in Hawaii; not flagged invasive in continental US
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
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