I am not the only wildlife biologist that does not consider crepe myrtle to be a great wildlife plant. Here is what Dr. Doug Tallamy, professor and chair of the University of Delaware’s Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, has to say about crepe myrtle, “Crepe myrtle is an enormously popular landscape plant because it has a nice habit, beautiful flowers, and lovely bark. But it contribute almost nothing to the food webs in your garden. If every plant is your yard were a crepe myrtle, you would have no food webs, and, thus, no birds, butterflies or other beneficial wildlife”
I love crape myrtles but I hate the off-shoots that come up in my yard. I have a very old crape behind my house that is very old. Many people remark about how beautiful it is. I have many bird feeders also in the back yard and the birds love to feed and then fly to the drape myrtle to either eat or rest. Just recently finished your book, and loved it.
You mention (I’m guessing by accident) wax myrtle being an invasive, but it’s a native (Myrica/Morella cerifera, specifically).
Thank you very much for bringing my mistake to my attention. That was a bad mistake–I love wax myrtle as it is a super wildlife plant.
No worries!
This article is confusing in that it mentions both wax myrtle and crepe myrtle, one being native but not the other.
Thanks for pointing out my error. I have made a change in the blog. I really appreciate your noting this mistake. I hope you will continue to let me know when I make a mistake–I want to make the blog as accurate as I can.
I will let you know if I see anything else. I apologize for duplicating my message but I wasn’t sure it went through the first time. I follow each and every one of your posts and enjoy them very much (and share them in my Facebook group).
I just posted a comment but I’m not sure it was accepted. This article is confusing since it mentions the native wax myrtle and the non-native crepe myrtle. Could you clarify?
It’s a little confusing that you reference both crepe myrtle (non-native) and wax myrtle (native). Was that intentional? If so, it makes less sense. Thanks!
could you recommend good crepe myrtle alternatives?
Anonymous,
The chaste tree is one you might try. Check with your extension agent to see if the chaste tree is invasive in your neck of the woods. If not, you might consider the following varieties of chaste trees. They were developed by horticulturalists at the University of Georgia. They are used by butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. I have not personally tried any of them yet.
Here they are: Daytona Heat Danica Pink, Daytona Heat TM Pretty Blue, Pinnacles and Littler Madam.
I would recommend something like Serviceberry or American Plum if those are native to your area.
Anonymous,
Please note Willie’s comments – they are great. I might add that in Georgia a great plum is our native Chickasaw plum.