Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)
[mih-REE-kah pen-sil-VAN-ih-kah]

Deciduous Perennial Shrub in the Myricaceae Family

Myrica pensylvanica, commonly known as northern bayberry or candleberry, is a versatile and multi-purpose native shrub found across eastern North America.

Key features of Myrica pensylvanica include:

Growth Habit: Northern bayberry is a bushy, semi-evergreen to evergreen shrub that typically grows 3-8 feet tall and wide, forming dense, suckering colonies.

Foliage: The leaves are oblong to lance-shaped, 2-4 inches long, dark green in color, and have a distinctive waxy, aromatic texture when crushed. Foliage often remains on the plant through winter.

Flowers: In spring, Myrica pensylvanica produces inconspicuous, greenish-yellow catkins along the stems before leaf emergence.

Fruit: Following the flowers, the plant develops small, waxy, grayish-white berries (drupes) that are a key source of food for wildlife.

Growing Conditions: Northern bayberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained, acidic soils but is adaptable to a variety of conditions, including poor, sandy, or coastal sites.

Uses: Beyond its ornamental value, Myrica pensylvanica has a long history of practical uses. The waxy berries were traditionally used to make aromatic bayberry candles, and the leaves and bark have medicinal properties. It is also an excellent native choice for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and as a salt-tolerant hedge or screen.

Overall, Myrica pensylvanica is a versatile, hardy, and aromatic native shrub well-suited for landscaping, ecological restoration, and wildlife gardens across its range.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 8 - 12 feet tall. 8 - 12 feet wide.
Growth Rate Medium
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Medium
Zones 3a - 6b (Usually hardy to -40° F)
Tags Attracts Birds, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Full Sun, Illinois Native, Medium, Native to North America, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Popular For Fall, Shrub, Wet Site Tolerant Evergreen Shrubs, Large Shrubs, White Flowering Shrubs
Bloom Period April - May
Flower Color Yellowish Green
 

More Info from Experts

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Catmint, Honey Perfume Floribunda Rose
 
Northern Bayberry
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!