Morella cerifera (Southern Wax Myrtle, Southern Bayberry, Candleberry, Bayberry Tree)

Botanical Information

FamilyMyricaceae
GenusMorella
Speciescerifera
SynonymsMyrica cerifera
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginNative to North America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		First used in 1699 for medicinal use. The bark, leaves and fruit hold pharmaceutical chemicals. Common use for making wax for bayberry candles.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone7b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone7b - 9b
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH1c - H5
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-15 - 10
Temperature (°F)0 - 50
Height4 - 8 m
Spread6 - 8 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodFebruary, March, April, May, June

Description and Growing Information

ShapeIrregular form but slightly round, vase-shape. Drooping branches as plant ages.
LandscapeScreening, container planting and as a landscape plant.
PropagationSeed.
CultivationFull sun to full shade, moist alkaline soils and is fairly drought tolerant.
PestsCaterpillars, mites, webworms and cankers. Susceptible to wilt disease.
HabitatDry prairies.
Bark/Stem DescriptionThin and aromatic as it grows.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionSmall apical buds. Round and slightly pointed at tip. Roughly 2 - 4 cm long.
Leaf DescriptionFlat, broad shaped leaves. 5 - 10 cm long with simple leaf blades. Serrate leaf margin with pinnate leaf venation.
Flower DescriptionClusters of small flowers.
Fruit DescriptionRound fruit in clusters. Female plants grow berries. Each axillary stem typically has 1 to 12 fruit.
Colour DescriptionThe bark is grey. Buds, flowers and leaves are green in colour. The fruit are greenish-blue in colour.
Texture DescriptionThe bark is smooth. The leaves and fruit have a waxy texture.

Photographs