Morella pensylvanica Myrica pensylvanica
Bayberry
General
A generous shrub of drier coastal sites. A dioecious shrub, meaning individuals are either male or female. The outer coating of the fruit was used to make candles during colonial times. Foliage is dense, and thick. Forms colonies from suckering roots. Plant is tolerant of road and coastal salt. Fruit is valuable for birds. Grows best in sandy, acidic, coastal sites but will easily establish in a broad range of soil types. Extremely valuable plant for coastal restoration sites.
Plant Description
Somewhat leathery, glossy leaves, (foliage is semi-persistent in Southern New England locations) with a pleasant fragrance when crushed. Usually the mid-end portion of the leaves are roundly toothed. Fruit covered with a blue/white waxy layer, and closely attached to the twig.
Height (ft)
10-12
Spread (ft)
6-8
Soil moisture
Medium
Soil types
Coarse to medium, sandy, peat, acidic soils
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Full sun to light shade
Bloom color
Yellow-Green
Bloom period
May
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
Low
Drought tolerance
High
Salinity tolerance
High
Self-Pollinated?
Yes
Range
Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]