Virginia Tech Dendrology

Pacific waxmyrtle Myricaceae Morella californica (Cham.) Wilbur symbol: MOCA6
Leaf: Alternate, simple, persistent, narrow (2 to 4 inches long and 1/2 to 3/4 inches wide), margins sparsely toothed and revolute except near the base, dark green and smooth above and paler below, bottom surface has minute black spots.
Flower: Species is monoecious; with separate male and female catkins borne in the leaf axils; both aments 1/2 to 1 inch long.
Fruit: Small, round, waxy drupes (1/16 inch in diameter), dark purple to light gray, usually borne in small, tight clusters.
Twig: Moderately stout; young twigs are dark green, pubescent, and slightly ridged; older twigs are round and brown to gray.
Bark: Thin, gray to brown, and often covered with white patches.
Form: A large evergreen shrub or small tree (up to 40 feet tall and 1 foot in diameter).

Additional Range Information: Morella californica is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. Download the full-size PDF map.
External Links: USDA Plants Database
All material 2025 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