Bayberry (Northern)

Myrica pensylvanica

Eastern North American native shrub of coastal dunes and acidic heath. Waxy berries are the source of traditional bayberry candle wax.

Hardiness ratings

Bayberry (Northern) hardiness across the four zone systems
SystemRatingTemperature rangeHow to read it
USDA hardiness zone Zone 3–7 −40 °C to −12.2 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
RHS hardiness rating H7 down to −20 °C Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance
Canadian plant hardiness zone Zone 3–7 −34 °C to −7 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone
Australian (ANBG) zone Zone 1–3 −15 °C to 0 °C Plant tolerates down to this zone

Growing notes

  • Fixes nitrogen via Frankia bacteria (actinorhizal symbiosis) rather than the Rhizobium of legumes — a non-legume nitrogen fixer
  • Outstanding salt tolerance — the go-to nitrogen-fixer for coastal sandy gardens
  • Aromatic foliage releases bay-like fragrance when crushed

Categories

Related plants

Cross-check Bayberry (Northern) against your zones

Reference

Bayberry (Northern) on Wikipedia