Bayberry, Northern Bayberry

Scientific Name
Myrica pensylvanica
Credit

Sharon A. Yiesla

Last Review
Features

Dark green foliage, aromatic when crushed, and persisting well into autumn; clusters of gray, waxy berries on female plants; fruits persist into winter and are also aromatic.

Culture

Full sun to partial shade; tolerates wet sites, dry sites, low fertility and salt; prefers slightly acid soil.

Notes

Since male and female flowers are on separate plants, both are needed to produce the waxy berries (berries will be produced on female plant only). These berries are used to make bayberry candles.

Plant Type
Minimum Height
Height Value
6.00
Height Unit
Feet
Maximum Height
Height Value
12.00
Height Unit
Feet
Minimum Width
Width Value
6.00
Width Unit
Feet
Maximum Width
Width Value
12.00
Width Unit
Feet
Mature Form

Often broader than tall due to suckering.

Native Regions, Text

United States

Soil Conditions
Foliage Color
Fall Foliage Color
Images
Image
Northern Bayberry fleaves
picID
18934
Image
Northern Bayberry fruit
picID
18935
Image
Northern Bayberry form
picID
18936
Image
Northern Bayberry form
picID
18937
Size
Exposure (Outdoor)
PlantID
351