Lagerstroemia x ‘Tuscarora’
Description: The ‘Tuscarora’ Crape Myrtle reaches a height of 18 to 25 feet and spreads 15 to 18 feet wide. It features a symmetrical, vase-shaped crown with a smooth, uniform outline and a medium growth rate, making it an ideal choice for urban landscapes.
Twig/Bark: The bark is thin and can be prone to mechanical damage. However, it is distinctive and showy, often exfoliating to reveal beautiful textures. The tree typically grows with multiple stems, though it can be trained to grow with a single trunk. As the tree matures, its branches may droop, and occasional pruning may be needed.
Leaves: The leaves are elliptic, oblong, or obovate in shape and deciduous. During the growing season, the foliage is green, transitioning to striking shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall, adding vibrant autumn color to the landscape.
Flower/Fruit: This tree produces a long-lasting, vibrant display of red flowers that are exceptionally showy, blooming throughout spring and summer. The fruit is oval or round, measuring less than 0.5 inches in length. It is dry, hard, and brown in color, persisting on the tree without creating significant litter or attracting wildlife.
Habitat: This tree thrives in full sun and is highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, sand, acidic, and alkaline soils, provided they are well-drained. It exhibits excellent drought tolerance, making it well-suited for planting in urban environments.