Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia L.

Family: Lythraceae

Full Sun
Summer Bloomer
Avoid Topping

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

not applicable: not a food plant

Hazard type

The NC State page lists no poison information. That is not a statement that the plant is safe.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA lists Crape Myrtle / Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) as Non-Toxic to Dogs, Non-Toxic to Cats, and Non-Toxic to Horses: ASPCA page, species-level listing, clean result with no naming-trap concerns.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 7A-9A (UF/IFAS EDIS ENH-501/ST342, Lagerstroemia indica; NC State gives no species zone, only noting winter injury in zones 5-6). Figure is for the species; many cultivars differ.
Mature size: Height ranges from 10 to 30 feet by cultivar, with widths of 15 to 25 feet; mature specimens of larger cultivars can reach 40 feet. Dwarf and semi-dwarf cultivars are available for smaller spaces (Clemson HGIC).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon