Family: Lythraceae

Queen’s crape myrtle is a single-trunked flowering tree that grows up to 60 feet. Native to India, China, and Australia, Queen’s crape myrtle is a popular landscaping tree in the tropics. Imported to Hawaii by Dr. Hillabrand, his original specimen still grows at Foster’s botanical garden. It is considered the largest Queen’s crape myrtle in the USA.

A deciduous tree, its leaves turn red right before they are shed. After that,  the large rounded crown becomes densely packed with purple flowers. From terminal panicles grow foot-long clusters of lavender flowers. This striking floral display lasts a few weeks.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Specimen
• Windbreak
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability (tropical/subtropical, wide temperature/rainfall range)
  
• History of repeated introductions outside native range
  
• Tolerates wide range of soil types (clay, loam, sand, acidic, alkaline)
  
• Produces viable, readily germinating seeds
  
• Wind-dispersed winged seeds
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Intentionally spread by people as an ornamental

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• No weed status reported
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Not shade tolerant (requires full sun)
  
• Not climbing or smothering (tree habit)
  
• No evidence of vegetative reproduction or dense thickets
  
• No bird, water, or animal dispersal
  
• Thin bark (easily injured, tolerates mutilation poorly)