Lagerstroemia archeriana
Overview
The Native Crape Myrtle is a small ornamental flowering tree known for its colorful summer blooms, attractive bark, and compact growth habit. A member of the crape myrtle genus (Lagerstroemia), it provides many of the characteristics that have made crape myrtles popular landscape trees, including a long flowering season, drought tolerance, and year-round ornamental appeal.
Compared to the more commonly planted Common Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Native Crape Myrtle is often noted for its improved hardiness, distinctive growth characteristics, and showy floral display. Its manageable size makes it well suited for campuses, gardens, courtyards, and small landscape settings.
Identification
Leaves
- Opposite or sometimes alternate leaf arrangement
- Small oval to elliptical leaves
- Glossy green during the growing season
- Orange, red, and burgundy fall color
Bark
- Smooth, exfoliating bark
- Peels in thin patches to reveal shades of tan, gray, cream, and cinnamon
- Attractive throughout the year
Flowers
- Large clusters of crinkled blossoms
- Bloom from mid-summer into early autumn
- Produced at branch tips
- Attractive to pollinators
- Flower color varies from pink to rose-purple
Fruit
- Small woody seed capsules
- Brown when mature
- Persist into autumn and winter
- Release numerous small seeds
Size
- Typically grows 10 to 20 feet tall
- Mature spread of 8 to 15 feet
- Often develops multiple trunks
Native Range
Lagerstroemia archeriana is native to Asia and is cultivated for ornamental use throughout many parts of the world. Like other crape myrtles, it has become popular in North American landscapes because of its adaptability, attractive flowers, and resilience.
Within the Marshall University Arboretum, Native Crape Myrtle is classified as a Non-Native species.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Native Crape Myrtle provides seasonal resources for pollinators.
Its flowers attract:
- Native bees
- Honeybees
- Butterflies
- Other pollinating insects
The tree also contributes:
- Summer floral resources
- Seasonal cover for birds
- Habitat structure within the landscape
Although it does not support the same ecological relationships as many native North American trees, its extended bloom period provides nectar resources during the summer months.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Native Crape Myrtle is grown almost exclusively for ornamental purposes.
The species is valued for:
- Long-lasting summer flowers
- Attractive exfoliating bark
- Compact size
- Drought tolerance
- Four-season landscape interest
Because it blooms when many spring-flowering trees have finished flowering, it helps extend the ornamental season in parks, gardens, campuses, and residential landscapes.
Native Crape Myrtle at Marshall University
Native Crape Myrtle contributes color and seasonal beauty to the Marshall University Arboretum. Its summer flowers provide visual interest during a period when relatively few trees are in bloom, while its exfoliating bark adds texture and character throughout the year.
As a non-native ornamental species, it demonstrates the diversity of flowering trees represented within the arboretum and complements both native and introduced species found across the campus landscape.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Native Crape Myrtle
Scientific Name: Lagerstroemia archeriana
Family: Lythraceae
Native Region: Non-Native
Mature Height: 10-20 feet
Mature Spread: 8-15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Soil Preferences: Well-drained soils; tolerant of heat and drought
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Bloom Period: June to September
Fruit/Seed: Small woody capsules containing numerous seeds
Wildlife Value: Supports pollinators and provides seasonal habitat value
Notable Characteristics: Colorful summer flowers, exfoliating bark, compact growth habit, and long bloom season