Northern Bayberry Seeds (Myrica pensylvanica) - Zone 3 - 30+ Seeds

Northern Bayberry, a native shrub to Eastern North America, is renowned for its dense, rounded form, growing 6-10 feet tall and wide. The grayish-green to dark green leaves are leathery, glossy, and emit a spicy scent when crushed, a feature that distinguishes it from other Myrica species. This deciduous shrub is notable for its attractive clusters of tiny, grayish-white berries, which persist through winter, adding ornamental value. Northern Bayberry is adaptable, thriving in a range of conditions including poor soils, wet soils, drought, high winds, and salt spray, making it an ideal choice for coastal areas.

In a Canadian context, Northern Bayberry is hardy and versatile, suitable for zones 3 to 7. It's an excellent choice for naturalizing, creating hedges, or in rain gardens. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers appear on separate plants, and it's essential to have at least one male plant to ensure pollination and fruit set on female plants. The berries are not only decorative but have been historically used to make bayberry wax candles.

Cold Hardiness Zone: 3
Seed Source: Toronto, ON
Cold Stratification: 90-150 days
Seed Scarification: These seeds have a wax coating, wash with warm water with soap to remove wax before stratifying. Rinse 3x.
Planting Instructions: Plant in well-drained soil with full to partial sun exposure. Tolerates a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.