Crapemyrtle

A popular small tree or large shrub often growing up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It usually features multiple smooth trunks with sculpted, muscular limbs. Frequently used in Texas landscapes for its long-lasting blooms and striking bark.

Native to China and Korea, it thrives across most of Texas. Crapemyrtle tolerates drought, heat, and slightly alkaline soils, making it ideal for urban and suburban plantings.

Leaves are simple and alternate, 1.5 to 3 inches long, oval to oblong in shape with smooth edges. They are thin and blunt-tipped, with some cultivars showing red or orange fall color.

Produces large, showy clusters of flowers in summer in white, pink, red, or purple. The crepe-paper-like petals are not fragrant but bloom for an extended season.

Fruits appear as half-inch green balls that mature into brown capsules. These open in late summer and fall to release small, winged seeds.

Bark is smooth and peels in long strips during the growing season. The surface beneath varies in color from tan to chocolate, adding ornamental value year-round.

Queen’s crapemyrtle and Japanese crapemyrtle are related species with opposite leaves. They are sometimes used in ornamental plantings but differ in size and foliage.

The harsh pruning method known as “crape murder,” where entire tops are cut back each year, is discouraged and can damage the tree’s natural shape.