Lagerstroemia x ‘Muskogee’
Description: The Muskogee Crape Myrtle typically grows to a height of 20 to 25 feet with a spread of 15 to 25 feet. It has a symmetrical canopy with a vase shape and moderate crown density. The tree’s growth rate is medium, and its texture is also considered medium.
Twig/Bark: The trunk and branches of the Muskogee Crape Myrtle are thin, with bark that is prone to damage from mechanical impact. The tree often grows with multiple trunks, though it can be trained to grow with a single trunk. Pruning may be required to clear branches for vehicular or pedestrian passage. Despite the thinness of the branches, the tree is resistant to breakage and has no thorns.
Leaves: The leaves of this tree are arranged in an opposite or sub-opposite pattern. They are simple in type with entire margins and are elliptic, oblong, or obovate in shape. The leaves are deciduous, measuring 2 to 4 inches in length, and range in color from green to shades of orange and red in the fall, making them quite showy.
Flower/Fruit: The flowers of the Muskogee Crape Myrtle are lavender in color and bloom in both spring and summer. These flowers are very showy, adding vibrant color to the landscape during their blooming season. The tree produces fruit that is oval or round, less than 0.5 inches in length, and brown in color. The fruit is persistent on the tree, does not attract wildlife, and generally does not cause any significant litter problems.
Habitat: The Muskogee Crape Myrtle grows best in full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It can thrive in soils that are slightly alkaline or acidic, as long as they are well-drained. Additionally, the tree has a high tolerance for drought, making it a resilient choice for various environments.