Plant Details

Myrica pensylvanica

Northern bayberry

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

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Common names

3 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Northern bayberry
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Wasgagel
French
  • Myrique de Pennsylvanie
Sources & name notes

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

General information

Scientific name: Myrica pensylvanica
Accepted name (Kew): Myrica pensylvanica Mirb. 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: Northern bayberry
Images: Google Images

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Small
Height: 1.83–2.44 m

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

Sources [2]
Spread: 1.52–3.05 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: Deciduous, Semi-evergreen
Sources [2]
Growth habit: Dense, Erect, Rounded

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

Sources [2]

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a

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

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

Moisture and drainage conditions listed by NC State.

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

Uses

Edible parts:
Condiment, Fruit
Edibility rating:
(3)
Medicinal rating:
(1)
Functions:
Nitrogen fixer, Dye, Hedge, Wax, Carbon farming

Description

The fruits and leaves of this plant can be eaten both raw and cooked. The fruits are about 4 mm in diameter and contain a large seed, with little edible flesh. They are primarily used as a seasoning in soups and stews. The leaves serve as an excellent substitute for bay leaves due to their fine aroma and subtle flavor. Before serving, the leaves or fruits are usually removed from the dishes.

Harvest

Harvest starts: 01/09
Harvest ends: 31/10

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 239182; name ID 2500825; Myrica pensylvanica Mirb..

    Source checked on .

    Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.

  2. NC State Extension, North Carolina State University Myrica pensylvanica — Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
    Supports: HeightSpreadGrowth rateFoliageGrowth habitLightSoil moistureSoil textureSoil pHUSDA hardiness
    Relevant sections
    • Height: Dimensions > Height; Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    • Spread: Dimensions > Width; Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 10 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 .