Lagerstroemia indica, commonly known as crape myrtle, is a flowering plant in the genus Lagerstroemia of the family. It originated in China. It is an often multi-stemmed, deciduous tree with a wide-spreading, flat-topped, rounded, or even spike-shaped open habit.

It is a popular nesting shrub for songbirds and wrens.

The crape myrtle is celebrated not just for its vivid and lengthy summer blooming but also for its unique, smooth, peeling bark that reveals a range of colors from cinnamon brown to pale cream. It has a remarkable ability to thrive in urban conditions, tolerating pollution and drought, which makes it a popular ornamental tree in cityscapes. Additionally, some studies have explored its potential in traditional medicine for its antioxidant properties.

Source: Wikipedia