The Crapemyrtle has been called "tough and beautiful." This southern favorite is actually native to Asia. First introduced to England and the United States in the eighteenth century, it is now widely cultivated throughout the world. It gets its common name from its crepe-like flower petals. Once established, they are quite drought tolerant and can resist the pollution and other adverse conditions of city life. The Crapemyrtle has a tendency to die back to the ground each winter. Therefore, in northern areas, it will grow more as a herbaceous perennial rather than a small tree.

Bark: The bark of the Crapemyrtle is mottled and smooth. With age, this tree develops exfoliating bark in an attractive whorled pattern to reveal a reddish-brown color underneath.

Foliage: The 1 - 2 3/4 inch long by 3/4 - 1 1/2 inch wide leaves are opposite, oval, and smooth. The leaves are Glossy,dark green in summer, turning to orange and red in fall.

Flowers: The 1 - 1 1/2 inch wide flowers have six petals on 6 - 12 inch long by 4 - 7 1/2 inch wide panicles which bloom from late June to September.

Fruit: A broad eliptical six-valved dehiscent capsule that is 1/2 inch wide and is brown in color. Seed heads persist into winter.

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More Information

Tree ID Number:	693
Scientific Name:	Lagerstroemia indica 'Natchez'
Mature Height:	23 ft
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	15 ft
Branching Shape:	Most commonly seen as a multi-trunked shurb or tree.
Growth Rate:	Fast
Wood Strength:	Hard
Cold Hardiness Zone:	7-9
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Moist, Dry
Light Requirements:	Sun
Common Pests:	Powdery mildew, black spot, sooty mold, tip blight, leaf spot, canker, root rot, aphids, japanese beetles, asian ambrosia beetle, and florida wax scale.
Comments:	Decorative specimen plant. Plant mildew resistant or tolerant cultivars.

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