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.
Photo: Forest & Kim Starr, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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, moist, wet |
| Soil | Slightly acidic, moist, deep sands, loams, clays |
| Bloom | Mar-Apr |
| Height | Typically 6-12 ft, up to 40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Berries eaten by many bird species, larval host for Banded Hairstreak and Red-banded Hairstreak butterflies |
USDA Native Status HI (I) — considered invasive in Hawaii; not flagged invasive in continental US
Buying it
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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Southern wax myrtle
Where is Southern wax myrtle native?
Southern wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) is native to Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Southern wax myrtle bloom?
Southern wax myrtle blooms Mar-Apr. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Southern wax myrtle need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: High, moist, wet. Soil: Slightly acidic, moist, deep sands, loams, clays. Mature height: Typically 6-12 ft, up to 40 ft.
Is Southern wax myrtle good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Berries eaten by many bird species, larval host for Banded Hairstreak and Red-banded Hairstreak butterflies.
Is Southern wax myrtle deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Southern wax myrtle is deer-resistant and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Southern wax myrtle seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Morella cerifera on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Southern wax myrtle.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Bald cypress Taxodium distichum
- Water oak Quercus nigra
- Mountain laurel Kalmia latifolia
- Black willow Salix nigra
- Southern live oak Quercus virginiana
Also listed under
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