Small bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) 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 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

Growing conditions: Sun to part shade, dry to average soils.

Natural habitat: Dry sandy beaches, roadsides and pine barrens.

Grows up to:  3-5'