Bayberry

Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

Northern Bayberry (Morella pensylvanica) is a resilient, semi-evergreen shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and waxy, grayish berries that persist through winter. This native shrub is highly valuable for wildlife-friendly gardens, providing essential food for birds when other sources are scarce. Its waxy berries are also traditionally used to make bayberry candles, known for their clean burn and symbolic meaning. Bayberry thrives in challenging environments, including coastal areas, thanks to its remarkable salt tolerance. With its low-maintenance needs and adaptability to poor soils, this shrub is ideal for naturalized areas, hedges, and wildlife gardens.

Key Characteristics:

• Bird-Friendly Berries: Bayberry's waxy berries are an important winter food source for birds like Yellow-rumped Warblers and other songbirds, supporting wildlife during the colder months.
• Aromatic Foliage: The leaves release a spicy, pleasant aroma when crushed, adding sensory appeal to the garden.
• Candle Making: The wax from bayberry’s berries can be harvested and used to make traditional bayberry candles, which are cherished for their clean burn, mild fragrance, and historical significance as symbols of good luck and prosperity.
• Coastal & Salt-Tolerant: Northern Bayberry thrives in coastal gardens, tolerating salt spray and sandy soils, making it perfect for seaside plantings and windbreaks.
• Soil-Improving Properties: While not a true nitrogen fixer, Bayberry has a symbiotic relationship with Frankia bacteria, which helps improve soil conditions in poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
• Low-Maintenance & Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Bayberry is highly drought-tolerant and thrives in dry, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes.

Product Details:

• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Life Cycle: Perennial shrub
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained soil; tolerant of poor, sandy, or rocky soils
• Mature Height: 5-10 feet
• Bloom Time: May to June (insignificant flowers)
• Berry Color: Grayish, waxy berries
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-7

Northern Bayberry is a versatile, hardy shrub that provides winter food for birds, can be used for traditional candle making, and thrives in difficult soils. It’s an excellent choice for coastal gardens, wildlife landscapes, and naturalized areas.