Southern Bayberry Myrica cerifera

Wax Myrtle is an evergreen tree that may grow 20 to 25 feet tall, but usually is much shorter. The light olive green leaves are alternate with a toothed margin, a spicy aromatic odor when crushed, and yellow resin dots on both surfaces. The bark is thin, smooth, and gray-brown, almost white. In spring, small male and female slim, cylindrical flowers mature. The small tree produces a bluish-white drupe that matures in clusters on short stalks and lasts through the winter. Some populations are dioecious and some are monoecious, which means that in some cases only the females produce fruit.

The Waxmyrtle is winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10 where it is easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to dappled or part shade. It even grows in the elusive dry shade.  Native to NC marshes, forests, swamps, and fresh to brackish streams, Bayberry is useful in wetlands or restoration gardens, in wet or shady sites, or on a bank for erosion control. It does best when initially grown with constant moisture, but once established in the landscape it will grow in a wide range of soil conditions ranging from wet swampy areas to dry xeric uplands. This shrub is tolerant of high winds, waterlogged soils, shade and sterile soil, salt spray and may be grown in seaside areas. Saline and urban tolerance make it appropriate for confinement within pavement and locations near roads that are salted in winter. This plant is subject to leaf drop during acclimatization or after extremely cold temperatures. Interesting plant for grouping in the corner of a large herb garden. Good selection for stream or pond margins where periodic flooding or drought may occur. Also attractive as a small tree with lower limbs removed.

These shrubs are most often dioecious and require both male and female-flowering for good berry production. It fixes atmospheric nitrogen which helps it survive in poor soils. Shrubs tend to sucker, sometimes forming sizable colonies in optimum growing conditions. This shrub is similar to northern bayberry (M. pennsylvanica), but is, by contrast, a southern heat-loving evergreen species.

Fire Risk:  These shrubs are considered to be potential fire hazards in some areas because the leaves, stems, and branches contain flammable aromatic compounds.  Because of this, they should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Leaf browning typically occurs in cold winters. Watch for leaf anthracnose and leaf mosaic.

Quick ID Hints:

• Yellowish resin glands on underside of leaf
• Sessile, gray fruits in clusters on 2nd year wood
• Narrowly oblanceolate, attenuate leaves
• Waxy fruits are highly aromatic