What is Crepe Myrtle?
Crepe myrtle, also spelled crape myrtle, is a showy, hardy, flowering tree popular for landscaping in warm climates. Native to China and Korea, crepe myrtle was introduced to America in 1747. During the 18th century, it became popular in the South for its vivid flowers and captivating colored bark. In the family Lagerstroemia, crepe myrtle trees brighten yards with little maintenance, watering, or fertilizing. Although deciduous, crepe myrtle remains attractive year round. During its extended flowering season, in the summer, it explodes in crinkly red, lavender, pink, purple, or white blossoms that resemble thin, bright crepe paper. During spring, when not in bloom, the glossy, dark green foliage forms an umbrella-like canopy of leaves. Autumn brings leaves that turn gold and crimson before they drop. Finally, during its dormant season in winter, the unusual, exfoliate bark sheds long strips, so that the trunk and branches display intricate, multi-colored layers of brown, gray, and tan
