Virginia Tech Dendrology

crapemyrtle Lythraceae Lagerstroemia indica L. symbol: LAIN
Leaf: Opposite or some leaves alternate or whorled, simple, elliptical, entire margin, 1 1/2 to 3 inches long, dark green above, paler below.
Flower: Very attractive, white, pink red or purple (depending on cultivar), occurring in 8 inch spike-like clusters, appearing in late summer.
Fruit: Dry, 6-parted, brown capsule in upright spikes, each capsule 1/2 inch long, persistent through the winter.
Twig: Slender, brown (initially red or green), ridged or angled, buds very small.
Bark: Gray-brown, smooth, exfoliating and exposing shades of brown, reddish brown and green, very attractive.
Form: Medium to large shrub or a small multi-stemmed tree to 40 feet.
Looks like: seven sons flower

Additional Range Information: Lagerstroemia indica is planted in the USDA hardiness zones shown above and may seed into the landscape. Download the full-size PDF map.
More Information: Fall Color
External Links: USDA Plants Database - Horticulture Information - USDAFS Forest Products Lab
All material 2021 Virginia Tech Dept. of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; Photos and text by: John Seiler, Edward Jensen, Alex Niemiera, and John Peterson; Silvics reprinted from Ag Handbook 654; range map source information