Box Myrtle
Myrica nagifam. Ericaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 7E5E — Myrica nagi
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IOverview
Overview
Box Myrtle (Myrica nagi) is a shrub native to regions including China Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan, Alaska, and parts of the Baltic States. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH range between 5 and 7.8. Known for its edible fruit, Box Myrtle is valued both for its ornamental qualities and as a source of sustenance. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow up to 12 meters in height, making it an imposing presence in gardens or natural settings.
Quick answers
What is Box Myrtle?
Box Myrtle (Myrica nagi) is a shrub native to regions including China Southeast, Hainan, Japan, Nansei-shoto, Taiwan, Alaska, and parts of the Baltic States. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to heavy soil types, preferring a pH range between 5 and 7.
What is Box Myrtle used for?
Traditionally used for digestion, immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Box Myrtle
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Box Myrtle has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to support gastrointestinal health.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as flavonoids and tannins that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Box Myrtle is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the immune system, often prepared as a tea or decoction.
The mechanism is not fully characterised but may involve compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids that have immunomodulatory effects.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Box Myrtle support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Box Myrtle thrives in moist conditions and prefers light to heavy soils with a pH between 5 and 7.8. It requires partial shade to full sun exposure and grows well in temperate regions. The plant can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Given its native range, it is adaptable but may require some care outside of its natural habitat due to varying climate conditions. Regular watering and well-draining soil are essential for optimal growth.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
12.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7.8
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Box Myrtle for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple Box Myrtle shrub to gain experience in growing Ericaceae family plants.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Box Myrtle plant, well-draining soil, and a container or garden spot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Box Myrtle in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 5-7.8; use a pot with drainage holes if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young Box Myrtle from a nursery pot to your garden or container, ensuring the roots are not damaged during the process.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial shade and regular watering, especially in dry periods. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune Box Myrtle annually to control size and encourage new growth; harvest fruit when ripe for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, using incorrect soil pH, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough shade.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Box Myrtle's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruit is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. SKIP
Other uses:DyeTanninWaxLumberNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)BelgiumDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIrelandNetherlandsUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)ChinaJapanTaiwan
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Yukon, Hainan, Nansei-shoto, Alberta, Baltic States, British Columbia, Connecticut, Kamchatka, Khabarovsk, Kuril Is., Labrador, Magadan, Maine, Manitoba, Masachusettes, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ericaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ericaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7e5ed594-5a0a-4c4d-b8f8-a9ce1f33c39d
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