Firetree

Myrica faya

Native to:
Azores, Canary Is., Madeira, Portugal

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Myricaceae
Genus:
Myrica
Species:
Myrica faya
USDA Symbol:
MOFA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★★ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Bayberry Leafroller Moth (Strepsicrates smithiana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire; can become invasive in fire-prone ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
acidic, volcanic, well-drained soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
native to volcanic regions with high organic matter