Bayberry

Morella pensylvanica
Myricaceae
Myrica pensylvanica branch JB
Myrica pensylvanica form JB
Myrica pensylvanica leaves JB
Small, densely growing shrub. Leaves are evergreen in southern portion of range, but deciduous in Ohio. Natural populations in Ohio are restricted to calcareous wetlands, but the species is frequently used ornamentally. Persistent blue berries through winter. Tolerant of deer browse.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
NA
Wildlife Benefits
Winter food source for birds
Pollination Type
Wind
Plant Hardiness Zones
3 to 7
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
Unknown
Bloom Time
Summer/Fall (Jul-Oct)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade: Receives 2-4 hours of direct sunlight, preferably in the morning
Maximum Height
Tall Shrub (5-15 ft)
Growth Rate
Slow: 1 ft or less per year
Soil Type
Clay: Small sized particles. Long moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Moist: Soil can remain damp and does not normally retain standing water
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Very Low
Urban Stress Tolerance
High: Tree can adapt to a variety of urban conditions and will grow well
Drought Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
10
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Absent
  • Oak Mixed: Absent
  • Alluvial: Absent
  • Red Maple Mixed: Absent
  • Ruderal: Absent
  • Urban Tree Cover: Common
Bloom Color
Yellow
Form
Shrub
Lifespan
Long: Greater than 250 years
Soil pH
Acid-Neutral (pH 5.5-7.5)
Wetland Indicator Status
FAC: Facultative, occurs in wetlands and non-wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Tolerant: Tolerant to both aerial salt spray and salt present in soil
Native County Status
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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