It makes a good filler for flower arrangements, and the the shrub responds well to pruning with new growth in spring. Because of its loose, branchy habit, I like to use it with small glass birds clipped onto the branches. Its evergreen leaves will remain fresh looking into the new year. Although many of the berries may already be eaten by mid-December, branches will last many weeks in a vase with water. Southern Wax Myrtle will spread by underground roots which sucker, which makes it even more effective as a screening plant or hedge.įinally, this is a good plant to cut for holiday decorations. it is a thirsty shrub and is happy growing near water, but can tolerate periods of drought. Its roots fix more nitrogen in the soil than many legumes, and so it actually improves the soil where it grows. It is one of the first shrubs to colonize a newly cleared area. It tolerates a variety of soils from sand to clay, and will grow in areas with low soil fertility. Unattractive to deer, this is a reliable grower in the edges of a forest garden. Compounds in both the roots and leaves can be used in herbal medicine. Native Americans and the early settlers used Myraca to treat a number of conditions from diarrhea to fever. Northern Bayberry loses many of its leaves during the winter. Southern Wax Myrtle grows considerably taller than the Northern Bayberry, and retains its leaves. Both shrubs can take salt spray and thrive near the coast. Closely related to Northern Bayberry, Myrica pensylvanica which grows in Zones 3-7 it is also fragrant, and its berries can also be boiled to render a waxy substance for use in candle making. Growing from New Jersey south to Florida along the East Coast, and then west along the Gulf into Texas, Southern Wax Myrtle is hardy in zones 6-9. The berries, produced only on female plants, offer migrating birds an important source of food. Growing to 15′ tall and wide, it offers privacy and attracts many species of birds, offering shelter and safe areas to perch. Myrica cerifera produces beautiful blue berries along its branches each autumn. Their glossy green leaves reflect the winter sun and keep the landscape bright and alive. They grow among pines, live oak, and wax myrtle.Īs the brightly colored deciduous leaves surrender to November’s winds, and the hardwood trees stand nearly bare the Hollies, Oaks, Pines, Magnolias, and Wax Myrtle shine. From Virginia Beach south they’re often covered in Spanish moss. They are native to the East Coast of the United States from Delaware south to Florida, and along the Gulf coast west to Texas, and as far north as Kentucky. The oldest know bald cypress tree is over 1600 years old, so these tough hardy trees merit our notice and respect. In fact, one of the tallest ever recorded bald cypress trees, at over 44m high, grows in our area. One of the only deciduous conifers, these beautiful, long lived trees love the wet ground along the banks of our marshes and creeks. A freshly camouflaged duck blind confirms this spot is valued by hunters.Įven the bald cypress trees have turned brown, and will soon lose their needles. They find it harder and harder to find food as summer vegetation disappears.īald cypress trees, tough and long lived here along the coast, turn brown and then lose their needles each autumn. Sadly, we came home to find two more young ones had squeezed themselves tiny to sneak in through our fences and graze in our garden while we were away. They are so accustomed to the traffic that they barely lift their heads as we drive past. Native Americans at one time used the size and timing of the “push ups” appearance to forecast the coming winter weather.ĭeer were out along the Parkway in the midday sun, boldly grazing in the meadows. These “push up” nests suddenly disappear by early summer, to be rebuilt in autumn. The family of mother, father, and young stay warm inside, and find protection from predators and the weather. Called, “push ups”, they are formed by pushing up mud and vegetation to form a home about 3′ high. Muskrats have been busy building their winter dens in the marsh. They can eat the reeds and grasses from the inside during the worst weather. Muskrats make “push ups” in the marsh to shelter their family for the winter.
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