Bayberry (Myrica heterophylla)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a moist soil. Closely related to M. pensylvanica and M. cerifera. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. Many species in this genus have a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame for the first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up and overwinter in a cold frame then plant out in late spring or early summer. Fair to good percentage. Layering in spring.
Edible uses
The following notes are for the closely related M. cerifera. It is assumed that they also apply to this species[K]. Fruit - raw or cooked. There is very little edible flesh and this is of poor quality[K]. Leaves and berries are used as a food flavouring. The dried leaves are brewed into a robust tea.
Medicinal uses
The following notes are for the closely related M. cerifera. It is assumed that they also apply to this species[K]. The root bark is astringent, emetic (in large doses), sternutatory, stimulant and tonic. The wax is astringent and slightly narcotic. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers and externally as a wash for itchy skin.
Material uses
The following notes are for the closely related M. cerifera. It is assumed that they also apply to this species[K]. A wax covering on the fruit is extracted by scalding the fruit with boiling water and immersing them for a few minutes, the wax floats to the surface and is then skimmed off. The fruit is then boiled in water to extract the wax from the pulp and once more the wax is skimmed off. It is then strained through a muslin cloth and can be used to make aromatic candles, sealing wax etc. A blue dye is obtained from the fruit. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge, succeeding in windy sites[K]. Wood - light, soft, brittle, fine-grained.
Habitat
Bogs and low wet sites of coastal woodlands.
Native range
Eastern N. America - New Jersey to Florida, west to Louisiana.
Scientific synonyms Morella caroliniensis