Growth form: Crape Myrtles are a multi-stemmed small to medium sized tree, typically 15 to 30 feet tall, with deciduous leaves and pink flowers.
Leaves, twigs, and bark: Leaves of crape myrtle are simple, alternate, and entire, typically 3 to 5 inches long.. Purple and pink flowers grow on this tree. Twigs are stout and gray. Bark is light brown and smooth.
Crape Myrtle leaf orientation (image provided by University of Redlands)
Flowers: Crape myrtles boom from mid summer to early fall. Flowers are pink or lilac, growing in large clusters. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. The clusters grow at the ends of these branches.
Pink flowers of crape myrtle (provided by Black Diamond Shell Pink Crape Myrtle)
Fruits: Female trees produce small berry-like seedpods. These grow in large clusters, and are very small, like berries. After they age, they split open and release the seeds.
Native range and habitat: Crape myrtle has been introduced to open fielded areas on the eastern coast of the U.S. In Virginia, the crape myrtle has been introduced to each county. This extends to Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, and a few scattered counties within other states.
Distribution of Crape Myrtles across Virginia counties (provided by USDA)
Plant Family: Flaky bark and brightly colored flowers. Primarily shrubs but few trees within family.
Ecologic Importance and Uses:
Edible and Medicinal Uses: The flowers have been known to treat colds, and when the flowers made into a paste, can be applied to cuts and wounds.
Wildlife: Crape myrtle fruits contain small seeds that spread once the turn brown and open. These provide food for small animals like birds. The flowers are a major pollinator in their wildlife community as well.
Gardens and Landscaping: Crape myrtles are aesthetically pleasing due to their brightly colored flowers. They are typically between 15 and 25 feet tall.
Campus Specimens
State and national champions? The largest crape myrtle can be seen in Washington D.C at the National Arboretum, with a height of 30 feet
At Radford University, The 5 crape myrtles are located in front of Covington Hall, across the street from the gym. They can be seen in light green bubbles.
Tree #166
Trunk circumference: 31 inches
Tree height: 15 feet
Crown spread: 18.7 feet x 18.9 feet Average = 18.8 feet
Total points: 65 points
Notes: This is the first tree on the far right in front of Covington Hall and across the street from the gym.
Tree #621
Trunk circumference: 39 inches
Tree height: 22 feet
Crown spread: 25.1 feet x 22.9 feet Average crown spread = 24 feet
Total points: 82
Notes: This is the largest of the crape myrtles.
Tree #946
Trunk circumference: 30 inches
Tree height: 14 feet
Crown spread: 21.2 feet x 23.9 feet Average crown spread = 22.6 feet
Total points: 22.6
Notes: This tree is the shortest of the five.
References
medicinal herbsCrepe MyrtleLagerstroemia indica. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/l/lagerstroemia-indica=crepe-myrtle.php#:~:targetText=Medicinal use of Crepe Myrtle:&targetText=The bark, flowers and leaves,in the treatment of colds.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LAIN.
Lythraceae. (2019, December 4). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lythraceae#:~:targetText=Lythraceae species are most often,outer integument of the seed.
Silver, T. (2016, October 7). Myrtle Berry Varieties. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/myrtle-berry-varieties-38246.html#:~:targetText=Crape myrtle trees produce flowers,open to reveal the seeds
Glen, C., & Coordinator, W. B. C. G. S. (n.d.). Where's the Flowers? Retrieved from https://pender.ces.ncsu.edu/2012/07/wheres-the-flowers/#:~:targetText=For example, there are early,blooming varieties of crape myrtles.&targetText=Known as cucurbits, these vegetables,female flowers will make fruit
Marie, J. (2016, October 7). When Does Crepe Myrtle Leaf & Bloom in Zone 9? Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/crepe-myrtle-leaf-bloom-zone-9-104265.html#:~:targetText=The exact timing of flowering,flowering until the first frost.
Ginsburg, E. (2017, November 21). Largest Size of Crepe Myrtles. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/largest-size-crepe-myrtles-65731.html#:~:targetText=The largest commercially available varieties,D.C., is 30 feet tall.
Crape Myrtle: University of Redlands. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://sites.redlands.edu/trees/species-accounts/crape-myrtle/.
Black Diamond Shell Pink Crape Myrtle. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.plantingtree.com/products/crape-myrtle-black-diamond-shell-pink.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=LAIN.
Page created by: Tom Carty, Radford University (2019).