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Myrica pensylvanica

Bayberry

Plant several together so the conspicuous, gray, waxy fruit will be produced. It has fragrant, glossy, dark green foliage used in making candles and soaps.

  • »  AKA Morella pensylvanica
  • »  Waxy yellowish-green catkins appear before the leaves
  • »  Fragrant, glossy, grayish-green foliage
  • »  Female plants produce clusters of tiny grayish-white fruits in late summer
  • »  Upright oval habit
  • »  Nitrogen-fixing species
  • »  Bloom Time: May

1gal
$24.38
3gal
$41.44
Exposure
• Full Sun
• Partial Sun/Shade
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Birds
Growth Rate
• Medium
Critter
• Deer Resistant
Attributes
• Native to Ontario
• Berries
• Deciduous
• Fragrant
• Salt Tolerant
Flowering Time
• Spring
Habit
• Clumping
• Oval
• Upright
Foliage Color
• Green
Landscape uses
• Hedge
• Specimen
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Myrica pensylvanica

Native to Ontario

The aromatic fruits are used fresh or dried to flavour soups, stews and sometimes put in beer to improve flavour and increase foaming. The dried leaves make a delicate tea. Wax from the fruit's pulp is used in candle making and a fragrant, essential oil can be extracted from the fruit. The bark can be used to dye wool. 

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Myrica pensylvanica

Bayberry grows best in a slightly acidic soil, however, it will tolerate light to heavy soils, and medium to very dry conditions. Also salt-tolerant. Suckering freely, it is excellent for re-naturalization. Use in the woodland garden, shrub border, as a screen or informal hedge.