Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Providing year-round interest, Brave Athena Northern Bayberry features lustrous green foliage that turns a deep wine color in fall. When planted near a male bayberry, it produces edible, waxy, silvery-blue berries that songbirds crave during winter. The leaves emanate a lovely scent whenever they are compressed. Reaching heights and spreads of 5 to 10 feet, this deciduous shrub, also known as Morella pensylvanica ‘Brave Athena’, can survive winters in zones 3-7 and fills spaces quickly with its wide canopy.
Brave Athena Northern Bayberry is vigorous, low-maintenance, and adaptable. It tolerates erosion, wet soil, and salt, making it a superb choice to plant in a coastal location. This ornamental shrub also attracts pollinators but is resistant to deer and small critters. Brave Athena makes a perfect accent specimen, or it can be used in groups to create privacy or a windbreak. Bred by American Beauties Native Plants, this versatile shrub has a lot to offer with minimal risk.
Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Care
Brave Athena grows upright and can handle partial shade to full sun. Plant it near a male Northern bayberry for pollination and berry production. While this perennial tolerates both acidic and alkaline soil, it prefers moist, slightly acidic soil. Water it regularly until its roots are established, and thereafter when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Brave Athena does not require feeding.
A low-maintenance perennial, this shrub does not need much pruning; however, remove any dead, damaged, or crossed branches in early spring to improve air circulation and maintain its shape.
Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Spacing
Brave Athena Northern Bayberry provides shade, privacy, and windbreak when planted in groups. Space this perennial 5-7 feet apart when creating a hedge or planting in groups.
Brave Athena Northern Bayberry Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 7 |
| Plant Type: Bushes |
| Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
| Mature Height: 5 - 10 Feet |
| Mature Spread: 5 - 10 Feet |
| Spacing: 5 - 10 Feet |
| Habit: Upright |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Flower Description: Inconspicuous |
| Bloom Period: |
| Foliage Type: Semi-Evergreen |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Red |
| Foliage Description: |
| Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering |
| Watering: Average |
| Resists: Deer |
| Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
| Attracts: Birds |
| Container Role: |
| Uses: Hedges & Privacy, Windbreaks |
| Features: Attracts Pollinators, Fragrant, Low Maintenance |
| Brand: American Beauties Native Plants |
| Common Name: Brave Athena Northern Bayberry |
| Other Name(s): |
| Scientific Name: Myrica pensylvanica 'Brave Athena', sun Morella pensylvanica |
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AZ, CA, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!