Southern Bayberry

(Morella caroliniensis)

Southern Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Morella caroliniensis, commonly known as Southern Bayberry, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal plains and wetlands of the Southeastern USA, including areas such as forest margins, bogs, and wetland edges. It typically grows to a height and width of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters), with a dense, rounded form. Southern Bayberry is notable for its aromatic foliage and small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that appear in the spring. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they give way to clusters of waxy, grayish-white berries that persist through winter and are often used in candle-making.

Southern Bayberry is valued for its adaptability to wet soils and salt spray, making it suitable for coastal landscapes and restoration projects. It is also used as a hedge or screen and is appreciated for its wildlife value, as the berries provide food for birds. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and is tolerant of a range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance, but can suffer from leaf spot diseases in humid climates. Southern Bayberry is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable choice for gardeners. It is also a host plant for the larvae of the Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly, adding an ecological benefit to its cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 6-8 feet
  • Width: 6-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Green
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Coastal plains, forest margins, bogs, and wetland edges

Other Names

Common Names: Evergreen Bayberry, Southern Bayberry, Pocosin Bayberry, Wax-Myrtle, Wasgagel

Scientific Names: , Myrica caroliniensis, Morella caroliniensis, Myrica heterophylla, Myrica carolinensis, Myrica curtissii, Morella carolinensis, Myrica caroliniana, Cerothamnus caroliniensis, Cerothamnus carolinensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Morella caroliniensis (Mill.) Small