*Crape-myrtle

*Lagerstroemia sp.
CRAPE-MYRTLE
Lythraceae
Asia

Location: map coordinates P-25 (southwest of Jason Library),
N 39°11'8'' W 75°32'32''

Planting history: planted 11/1/12. Source: Chester River Landscaping. Gift from Arbor Day Foundation.

Description:

deciduous shrub or small tree
etymology: Lagerstroemia = after Magnus von Lagerstrom (1696-1759), Swedish merchant, and friend of Linnaeus
leaves opposite (and alternate on upper branches)
flowers very attractive; purple, red, pink, white; long-lasting; petals uniquely wrinkled, crepe-like (hence the common name); in large terminal clusters
bark often beautifully multicolored
popular ornamental, mostly zone 6 and south
native to India, SE Asia, N Australia, Oceania

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)