How to Identify Southern Crape Myrtles

1. Blades

The leaves of the southern crape myrtle are membranous, rectangular or rectangular-lanceolate, and rarely ovate. It is about 2-9 cm long and 1-4 cm wide, with a gradually pointed apex and a broad cuneate base. The midrib is slightly sunken above and convex below. There are 3-10 pairs of lateral veins, with the apexes together.

2. Flowers

The flowers of the southern crape myrtle are small, densely grown, white or rose in color, and are panicles about 5-15 cm long with gray-brown soft hairs. The calyx has 5 triangular lobes and 6 petals. The flowering period is from June to August.

3. Fruit

The capsule of the southern crape myrtle is oval, about 6-8 mm long, and has 3-6 valves. The fruiting period is from July to October.