Bayberry – Myrica pensylvanica

Description

Myrica pensylvanica commonly called Bayberry, is a fine, semi-deciduous, nitrogen fixing shrub native to eastern North America.

A top performer in many garden environments, tolerates high moisture, drought, poor fertility and salt, making it suitable for many locations including near salted winter roads. Plants display powdery blue, waxy fruit in autumn that remain through April. A handsome plant throughout the growing season, and berries give it great winter interest. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant), however it is recommended to have a male and female plant to ensure fruit set.

The rich green foliage is wonderfully scented when crushed and is used culinarily as a substitute for Bay. Aside from culinary flavoring, the berries have been used to make sweet smelling bayberry wax candles.

Best planted in groups or massed. An excellent plant for use in woodland gardens, used as shrub borders, screens or informal hedges, in wet or shady sites, or as erosion control. Shrubs are semi-evergreen in southern end of growing range.