MYRICA PENSYLVANICA / BAYBERRY

MYRICA PENSYLVANICA / NORTHERN BAYBERRY

A Native Evergreen Shrub with Fragrant Berries

Myrica pensylvanica, commonly known as Northern Bayberry, is a native deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and gray-white waxy berries. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Northern Bayberry adds year-round structure, fragrance, and wildlife value to coastal gardens, naturalized landscapes, and hedges. Its berries are a favorite food source for birds and can also be used for traditional candle making.

Why Choose Northern Bayberry?

Wildlife Friendly: Berries provide food for birds during winter.
Fragrant & Evergreen: Aromatic foliage adds sensory interest and year-round structure.
Salt & Drought Tolerant: Ideal for coastal gardens and dry, sandy soils.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green, aromatic leaves that persist in winter.
Berry Color: Gray-white, waxy berries appearing in late summer to fall.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 3–6 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–7.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy and poor soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 3–6 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub forming dense thickets.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–7.
Flowering & Fruiting: Small inconspicuous flowers; waxy berries in late summer and fall.
Fragrance: Aromatic leaves and berries provide sensory interest.

Ideal Uses:

Coastal & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Performs well in sandy, exposed sites.
Wildlife & Pollinator Gardens: Supports birds and native insects.
Hedges & Naturalized Landscapes: Creates dense, attractive screens.
Low-Maintenance Plantings: Hardy and resilient for easy care landscapes.

Northern Bayberry is a hardy and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its fragrant foliage, ornamental berries, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for coastal landscapes, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance naturalized plantings.