Crape Myrtle

Common Names

• Crepe Myrtle
• Crapemyrtle

Scientific Names

• Lagerstroemia indica
• Lythraceae family

History of
the Tree Species

• A genus of ~50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs
• Native to Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, and northern Australia
• Called the "Lilac of the South"
• Named after Swedish merchant Magnus von Lagerström, who supplied Carl Linneaus with the plants he collected

Scientific Facts

• Often used as screens, lawn specimens, shrub borders, and container plants in landscaping and gardening
• Considered messy -- seedpods can stain surfaces, so best planted away from decks, sidewalks, driveways, and pools
• Bark sheds throughout the year
• Colors vary from deep purple to red to white and most shades in between
• No part of the tree or its fruits are poisonous, though not recommended for human consumption
• Used for traditional medicinal purposes -- stem bark is a febrifuge, stimulant and styptic
• Bark, flowers, and leaves are considered to be hydragogue and a drastic purgative
• A paste of the flowers is applied externally to cuts and wounds
• Root is astringent, detoxicant and diuretic
• A decoction of the flowers is used in the treatment of colds