Tree Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

Botanical Name: Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei ‘Tuscarora’

Common Name: Tuscarora Crape Myrtle

Mature Height and Width:
20–25' tall × 15–20' wide

Growth Habit:
Large, multi-trunk ornamental tree with broad upright-vase structure. Strong vertical framework with arching secondary branches forming a rounded canopy. Moderate to fast growth rate. Commonly grown as a clump form with multiple smooth trunks.

Foliage Description:
Medium green elliptic leaves with smooth margins. Dense summer canopy with good leaf coverage. Foliage may turn orange to red in fall before leaf drop in suitable climates.

Flower Description:
Large conical panicles of coral-pink to watermelon-red crinkled flowers. Panicles upright and substantial, forming bold terminal clusters across canopy. Bloom display heavy and evenly distributed at maturity.

Bloom Time:
Mid to late summer.

Fall Color:
Orange to red tones before leaf drop.

Light Requirements:
Full sun required for best bloom production and canopy density.

Hardiness Zone:
USDA Zones 6–9 (reliable in Zone 7; warmer or protected Zone 6 sites).

Notable Landscape Uses:
Lawn specimen; streetscape planting; patio shade tree; focal canopy tree; summer flowering accent in larger residential landscapes.

Deer Resistance:
Moderate
Young growth may be browsed under heavy pressure; generally not preferred once mature.

Additional Ornamental Feature:
Smooth exfoliating bark on mature trunks, revealing mottled cinnamon and tan tones.