Plant Details

Myrica californica

Californian bayberry

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Myrica californica.

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Californian bayberry
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Californische gagel
French
  • Myrique de Californie
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Myrica californica
Accepted name (Kew): Myrica californica Cham. View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Myricaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Myrica (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Californian bayberry

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 3.05–9.14 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Spread: 3.05–9.14 m

NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.

Sources [2]
Growth rate: Moderate
Sources [2]
Foliage: Evergreen
Sources [2]
Growth habit: Dense, Erect

Whole-plant habit and form as described by NC State.

Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

USDA zones listed by NC State; winter survival does not establish reliable cropping.

Sources [2]
Soil moisture:
Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally Dry

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

Sources [2]
Soil:
Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand
Sources [2]
pH:
Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Sources [2]
Light:
Dappled Sunlight, Full sun, Partial Shade
Sources [2]

Uses

Edible parts:
Fruit
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Nitrogen fixer, Dye, Wax, Fragrant

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has a diameter of about 6 mm and contains a large seed. There is little edible flesh, and its taste is not good.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 30/11

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: Botanical familyTaxonomy
    Relevant sections
    • Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 610736; name ID 2501755; Myrica L.. Family column.
    • Taxonomy: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 239134; name ID 2500771; Myrica californica Cham..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Myrica californica — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 30 ft. 0 in.
    • Growth rate: Growth Rate
    • Foliage: Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
    • Growth habit: Habit/Form
    • Light: Light
    • Soil moisture: Soil Drainage
    • Soil texture: Soil Texture
    • Soil pH: Soil pH
    • USDA hardiness: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

    Source checked on .