Myrica pensylvanica
Northern Bayberry · Northern candleberry · Bayberry · Candletree · Candlewood
Description
Source: leafsnapMyrica pensylvanica, the northern bayberry, is a species of Myrica native to eastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Ontario and Ohio, and south to North Carolina. It is also classified as Morella pensylvanica. Myrica pensylvanica is a deciduous shrub growing to 4.5 m tall. The leaves are 2.5–7 cm long and 1.5-2.7 cm broad, broadest near the leaf apex, serrate, and sticky with a spicy scent when crushed. The flowers are borne in catkins 3–18 mm long, in range of colors from green to red. The fruit is a wrinkled berry 3–5.5 mm diameter, with a pale blue-purple waxy coating; they are an important food for yellow-rumped warblers. This species has root nodules containing nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, allowing it to grow in relatively poor soils.
🌳 Historically, settlers in colonial America found that the berries of the northern bayberry could provide wax for making candles. That wax burned without producing smoke, giving a cleaner and more pleasant light than candles made from animal fat tallow. Additionally, northern bayberry has long been used to repel insects, and modern research has confirmed it contains compounds with insecticidal properties, suggesting potential uses in eco-friendly pest control.
🎭 Represents illusions and appearances. It is employed for visions and divining.
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 2 weeks
This shrub will tolerate wet or boggy conditions and drought well. Generally, Bayberry does not need watering as it is quite adaptable.
☀️ Light Full sun
For optimal growth, northern bayberry mainly needs full sun, though it can tolerate moderately shady conditions. Native to sunny habitats, its developing fruits thrive in those conditions. Excessive shade can hinder growth, whereas too much sun does not cause damage.
🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C
Northern bayberry grows best in temperate climates and prefers temperatures from 41 to 95 ℉ (5 to 35 ℃). It comes from areas with a range of temperature patterns but generally favors cooler conditions during its growing season. In hot summer periods, it is advisable to provide shade and generous watering to prevent the plant from drying out.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 4-7
🌱 Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to your Northern bayberry in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Consistent fertilization improves overall health, producing robust growth, greater tolerance of adverse conditions, and enhanced resistance to pests and diseases. Follow a regular fertilizing routine for your Northern bayberry to maintain vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Northern bayberry, choose a pot 1-2 inches (2.5-5.0 cm) larger with ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring that the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
Bayberry does not require pruning to support healthy, sturdy growth. In fact, pruning is generally avoided to prevent disturbing its naturally attractive form. If you want to rejuvenate your shrub, trim away about a third of its old growth every year for 3 years.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Myrica
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-9
- Mature Height
- 4.57 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.44 m to 4.57 m
- Leaf Color
- Green, Blue
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Green, Orange
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 1.78 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid spring, Late spring
- Planting Time
- Spring, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Early spring, Mid spring, Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Winter
- Native Area
- Eastern North America