Northern Bayberry
Semi-evergreen shrub reaching 1.5-3 m tall with aromatic, leathery leaves and waxy gray berries persisting through winter. Tolerates sandy, infertile soils and salt spray. Features nitrogen-fixing root nodules. Male and female plants needed for berry production. Excellent for coastal landscapes, dunes, and poor soils. Berries important for winter bird food.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Yellow-Green
Bloom Time: Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Leaves emerge May. Inconspicuous flowers appear June. Waxy gray fruits develop late summer, persisting through winter. Semi-evergreen in protected sites.
Wildlife Value: Berries eaten by >30 bird species; excellent cover for songbirds; flowers attract native bees; browse resistance
Habit Over Time: Develops into a dense, rounded shrub that slowly spreads through root suckers. New stems emerge close to the parent plant, creating a thicket-like growth pattern. While it can form extensive colonies over time, the spread is gradual and predictable. The aromatic foliage creates a dense screen that provides good wildlife shelter.
Height: Medium to Tall (5-10 feet)