Bayberry Southern Wax Myrtle
Categories
ShrubsMorella cerifera, commonly known as southern wax myrtle or southern bayberry, is a large, irregularly-shaped, dense-branching, nitrogen-fixing, suckering, fast-growing, evergreen shrub (semi-evergreen in colder northern parts of the growing area) that typically grows to 10-15’ tall and 8-10’ wide, but occasionally reaches a tree-like height of 20’ tall or more. It can be found in wetlands, river margins, sand dunes, and pine barrens.
- Fragrant waxy leaves yielding gray/white fruit
- Naturally grows near rivers and streams and other wet areas. Can be used for erosion control.
- It is a host plant for the Red-Banded Hairstreak butterfly.
- Flowers provide an excellent source of nectar for honeybees and butterflies.
- The fruits are eaten by birds, especially yellow-rumped warbler.
- Highly salt and wind tolerant
- Highly resistant to deer damage
- Tolerant of rabbit, drought, shade, poor soil and wet soil
- Native, coastal
Specifications
- Botanical Name: Myrica cerifera
- Common Name: Waxmyrtle Southern Bayberry
- Flower Color: Insignificant -- Yellowish green (male)
- Height: 10 - 15 feet
- Width: 8 - 10 feet
- Season of Bloom: Early spring
- Light Preference: Full sun to part shade
- Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10