Northern Bayberry

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

5-6 Feet

Mature Spread

8-10+ Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Northern Bayberry is a vigorous growing shrub that will stand out for all of the right reasons when included in a landscape. The Myrica pensylvanica has long, narrow leaves with a leathery texture and widely spaced, subtle serrations along the edges. The foliage of this deciduous shrub turns a deep burgundy during the fall. Green flowers are insignificant but produce small, waxy gray berries during the fall and winter.

This shrub has an upright and dense growth habit and features a woody structure. Bayberry shrubs can create a border, hedge, or foundation planting. Both the foliage and the fruit are fragrant and keep deer at bay for an unexpected perk. This is a wonderful shrub for bird-watchers since the berries provide ample food and the branches create perches for small birds. The Northern Bayberry is a perennial in USDA zones 3 through 8.

Northern Bayberry Care

Bayberry plants need full sun to partial shade. This shrub can thrive in low-quality soil that is unsuitable for many other plants but expect the best results when grown in rich, moist, but well-drained soil. Bayberry thrives in damp conditions, and established plants will not need water often when grown in moist soil. Plan to water when the top several inches of soil is parched when grown in dry conditions.

This plant is not a heavy feeder and will do well without fertilization. Bayberry actually improves poor quality soil, but top-dressing the soil with organic compost can support new growth. Shape the plant only as necessary and remove suckers as they appear.

Northern Bayberry Spacing

Northern Bayberry is an upright perennial shrub that reaches 5 to 6 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. Plant shrubs 7 to 9 feet apart to create a hedge or screen planting.