Myrica pensylvanica

Northern Bayberry

Waxy gray berries were used by early settlers for making aromatic candles, and occasionally still are used for this purpose. Especially good plant for full sun and sandy soils, but grows well on many soils. Tolerates half shade. Relatively salt-tolerant. Forms colonies via suckers. Fixes nitrogen in the soil. Dioecious. Use female plants (when known) for fruiting, and occasional male for pollination. Difficult to transplant from field.