Myrica californica
Californian bayberry
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Myrica californica.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Leaves of Myrica californica.
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Myrica californica kz1.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Catkins of Myrica californica.
born1945 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Myrica californica inflorescence (4).jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
3 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Californian bayberry
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Californische gagel
- French
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- Myrique de Californie
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited Kew taxonomic treatment.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.
Sources [2]NC State landscape size range; converted from feet and inches. Size varies with site, age and management.
Sources [2]Uses
Fruit
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
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
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.
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NC State Extension, North Carolina State University
Myrica californica — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
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 .