• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Northern (Myrica pennsylvanica) and Southern Bayberry (Morella cerifera)

Adaptable, attractive, and a favorite of birds and pollinators make Bayberry a great addition to the landscape.

Bayberries, also known as wax myrtles, are evergreen in milder regions but shed their leaves in northern locations. They prefer full sun and part shade and are salt tolerant. Northern bayberry (Myrica pennsylvanica) is hardy in zones 3 to 6 and performs well in poor, sandy soil as well as clay. Southern bayberry (Morella cerifera) grows taller, prefers moist soil and is hardy in zones 7 to 11. It is more drought and flood tolerant once established.

The flowers may not be the showiest, but they do attract butterflies. But the grayish wax covered fruit are decorative, used to make bayberry candles and a bird favorite. You do need a male and female plant for good fruit production.

Use bayberry in mixed borders, as hedges or for erosion control.

A bit more information: Bayberries are also a food source (host plant) for several caterpillars.  And the deer and rabbits tend to avoid eating the Southern bayberry.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW