Crape Myrtle

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Lythraceae (Loosestrife Family)

▲ ▼ flowering plants in mid to late summer

Location on campus: around paved pad for Tent Theatre just north of Craig Hall; many locations on campus

Lagerstroemia indica: Crape Myrtle

leaves opposite on lower portions of branches, then whorled or alternate below flowers, deciduous, simple, ovate; dark green and shiny above and glabrous below; leaves 1-2.75" long and 1/2 - 2/3 as wide
stems angled, squarish with slight wings; glabrous and green to red when young, reddish brown later on to peeling bark on old stems/trunks
flowers white, pink, purple or red in terminal panicles on new growth in mid summer to mid fall; may fail to flower if shaded much
is a small to large shrub or small tree, depending on hardiness zone and cultivar; often freezes to ground in northern end of its range; grows 3-15' tall and as wide, and even bigger in southern locations for some cultivars
prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil; prune out dead wood in spring
fast growth rate