Genus Lagerstroemia, crape myrtle, consists of just over 50 species of trees and shrubs. While native to Asia and Australia, you will find it in our area, as well as the Southern States. The common crape myrtle was brought to this country in 1790 and first planted in Charleston, South Carolina. Vibrant hot colored blooms thrive in the heat of the summer, and greet visitors, residents and staff alike as they pass by the Atrium in the Medford Campus Community Building.
