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Myrica pensylvanica (Northern bayberry, Bayberry)

Myrica pensylvanica Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Myrica pensylvanica mih-REE-kah pen-sil-VAN-ih-kah Common Name: Northern bayberry, Bayberry Genus: Myrica
This North American coastal native exhibits quiet beauty and an easy-going habit. It grows to 10 feet tall, and spreads slowly to form colonies with glossy, semi-evergreen aromatic leaves.  It looks equally at home as a hedge, in an herb garden, or in a natural meadow.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Myricas are most effective en masse, for use in woodlands, meadows, borders, and formal areas. They have aromatic, dark green leaves and small flowers. The clustered fruits are small, bluish-black spheres encrusted with a whitish, waxy coating; plant at least one male to pollinate the female species. Many species were used for making bayberry candles, sealing wax, and soap. Some species are native to North America. 
 Care: Grow in moist, humus-rich, preferably acidic soil in full sun to partial shade. They are tolerant of poor soils, drought, wet soils, and coastal conditions.
 Propagation: Layer in spring, root greenwood cuttings in summer, or sow seed in a cold frame when ripe.
 Problems: Leaf spots, dieback, stem rots, root rots, rust.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Drought Tolerant;Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Fragrant Foliage; Native; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color Green Flower; Yellow Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Hedge, Naturalizing, Roadside, Screening, Waterside
Style Herb Garden, Meadow Garden, Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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