Crapemyrtle: Tree or Shrub? Choosing the Right Form

Crapemyrtles range from dwarf shrubs to towering trees. 'Pokomoke' stays around 3 feet—definitely a shrub. 'Natchez' reaches 30 feet—clearly a tree. The classification depends on the cultivar's natural habit. If neighbors are removing oaks and maples due to space constraints, a suitably sized crapemyrtle is a reasonable replacement. But if space allows, preserving stately oaks offers greater ecological and aesthetic value.