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Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Native to:
Canada, Prince Edward I., United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Myricaceae
Genus:
Myrica
Species:
Myrica pensylvanica
USDA Symbol:
MOPE6

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Keystone Species Ranking

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

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Agonopterix walsinghamella, Allen's Aphelia (Aphelia alleniana), Ancylis subaequana, Apple Sphinx (Sphinx "gordius"), Apple Sphinx (Sphinx gordius), Archips myricana, Argent and sable (Rheumaptera hastata), Argyrotaenia repertana, Bay underwing (Catocala badia), Bayberry Leafroller Moth (Strepsicrates smithiana), black-and-white leafroller (Syndemis afflictana), black-dotted leaftier moth (Psilocorsis cryptolechiella), Brown-tail moth (Euproctis chrysorrhoea), Caloptilia flavella, Cameraria picturatella, Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Clematis Sphinx (Sphinx luscitiosa), Coelebs Underwing (Catocala coelebs), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Dichomeris bipunctella, Dogwood borer (Synanthedon scitula), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), Io moth (Automeris io), lanceolate dagger moth (Acronicta lanceolaria), Melanchra assimilis, Olethreutes valdanum, Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), Red-bordered Emerald (Nemoria lixaria), Red-fronted Emerald (Nemoria rubrifrontaria), Red-humped caterpillar moth (Schizura concinna), Rheumaptera sp., skiff moth (Prolimacodes badia), Spotted Apatelodes (Apatelodes torrefacta), stinging rose caterpillar (Parasa indetermina), sweetfern geometer (Cyclophora pendulinaria), sweetfern leaf casebearer (Acrobasis comptoniella), white-fringed emerald (Nemoria mimosaria), White-marked Tussock Moth (Orgyia leucostigma)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Cameraria picturatella, Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
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; often increases in density following burns.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Wax coating on seeds may inhibit germination; removal of waxy fruit coating improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

Pre-treatment: Clean seed

Establishment: The plant is found on dry and wet sandy coastal sites from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Louisiana, and along the shores of Lake Erie. Inland bogs of northern New Jersey and Pennsylvania also have populations of this species growing. The seeds were collected in the Yosemite National Park.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow at 4°C for 3 months, then place @ 20°C for 3 months. * remove wax from seeds

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society