Myrica cerifera is a small evergreen tree or large shrub native to North and Central America and the Caribbean.

[4] It is adaptable to many habitats, growing naturally in wetlands, near rivers and streams, sand dunes, fields, hillsides, pine barrens, and in both coniferous and mixed-broadleaf forests.

Wax Myrtle can be successfully cultivated as far north as the New York City area and southern Ohio Valley.

The fruit is a source of food for many bird species, such as the wild turkey and the northern bobwhite quail.

Because the leaves, stem, and branches contain flammable aromatic compounds, a specimen of M. cerifera is in fact a fire hazard.

On the Virginia barrier islands within its native range, the shrub has been documented rapidly expanding into grasslands impacting ecosystem function and landscape-level resistance to disturbance.

While climate change plays a large role in this, the mechanism responsible is the shrub's ability to alter its own microclimate.

[9] On the other side of the US, in Hawai'i, M. cerifera's ability to partner with nitrogen-fixing bacteria makes it a significant threat to native Hawai'ian forests.

[10] This plant is one of several Myrica species that are sometimes split into the genus Morella, e.g. in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System.

[4][12] The generic name Myrica comes from a Greek word myrike, which refers to some fragrant plant (possibly tamarisk).

Those dubbed Fairfax, Jamaica Road, and Don's Dwarf differ from the "typical" specimen in habit and form.

The plant contains several organic compounds, including: triterpenes such as myricadiol, taraxerol, and taraxerone, as well as chemicals such as different flavonoids, tannins, resins, gums, and phenols.

Myricadiol has a slight impact on levels of potassium and sodium, while a substance called myricitrin has antibiotic properties.

In 1722, it was reported that colonists in Louisiana drank a mixture of wax and hot water to treat severe dysentery.

[3] Starting in the early 19th century, the herbalist Samuel Thomson recommended this plant for producing "heat" within the body and as a treatment for infectious diseases and diarrhea.

[3] In addition, tannin action relating to cancer is unclear, with studies indicating both pro and anti-cancer effects.

[21] Wax extracted from boiling the fruit of Myrica cerifera was also used to make scented bayberry soap by early North-American settlers.