Small bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) Seeds
Small bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) Seeds
**Please limit your purchase to 1-2 packets of this species. Thank you for your understanding as we work to increase access to native plants!**
An excellent native shrub for poor, sandy or gravelly soils. In the spring, small bright yellow-green flowers attract early spring pollinators. Plants are either male or female and the latter produce small gray, waxy berries in the fall that are relished by birds. Foliage is light green and fragrant and can be used like bay leaves in cooking. Wax from the fruits was traditionally used in candles. The shrub makes a nice low hedge on its own or mixed with wild rose and sweet fern. Thrives in tough urban, roadside, and seaside environments. Can be cut back to the ground every spring to be used as a ground cover.
Native to Maine: Yes
Growing conditions: Sun to part shade in dry soil
Grows up to: 3-5'
Blooms: In early spring
Pairs well with: Common milkweed, butterfly milkweed, Virginia rose, bush honeysuckle, little bluestem, and seaside goldenrod
Natural habitat: Dry, sandy beaches, roadsides, and pine barrens
Seeds per packet: 20
These seeds require a cold period to germinate - a minimum of 90 days below 40°F in moist soil (or sand or vermiculite). Sow outdoors in pots, on the soil surface and leave uncovered, November throughmid-February.This species is challenging to grow, and a great species for more experienced seed-sowers.