What are myrtle trees? Discover types like common, wax, lemon, and crape myrtle—plus uses, benefits, fragrance, berries, and how to grow them in coastal, drought-tolerant landscapes.
Originating from Southeast Europe and North Africa, this shrubby or tree-like plant has won hearts over the centuries, from ancient Greek poets to Jewish religious practices. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of myrtle and its importance in different contexts.
The name "myrtle" is also used in common names (vernacular names) of unrelated plants in several other genera, such as: "Crepe myrtle" (Lagerstroemia species and hybrids, Lythraceae); "Wax myrtle" (Morella species, Myricaceae); and "Creeping myrtle" (Vinca species, Apocynaceae).
The aromatic common myrtle (M. communis) is native to the Mediterranean region and the Middle East and is cultivated in southern England and the warmer regions of North America.
Native to the Mediterranean and northern Africa, the common myrtle (Myrtus communis) has been beloved as a houseplant and topiary since ancient times. The ancient Greeks and Romans favored the leaves for their medicinal and culinary purposes and associated the delicate sweetly scented white flowers with love and innocence.
Myrtle (Myrtus communis) is a spectacular evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and it has long been used as a symbol of love. It features aromatic branches of dark green, glossy leaves that are often used in floral arrangements and prized for their sweet, spicy citrus scent.
Symbol of beauty and love in the past, the award-winning Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle) is a bushy, medium-sized evergreen shrub with small, aromatic, glossy green leaves, which release a pleasant fragrance when crushed.