Myrica cerifera
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Myrica cerifera

southern bayberry
candleberry
waxberry
wax myrtle

  family myricaceae 
  genus myrica 

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Identification
Genus  Myrica Species  cerifera Variety  Cultivar  Common names  southern bayberry   candleberry   waxberry   wax myrtle Family  MYRICACEAE Specimen number  S11479 Data source  HtZn p144;MedPl p236;Frgnt p126
 
Life cycle
Life form  Terrestrial Life cycle  Woody perennial Life span  5 - 20 years Annual cycle  Evergreen Stature  Shrub Growth form  Various Growth habit  Not applicable Overall height  5' - 20' Overall spread   
 
Climate
Sunshine  Full sun to partial shade Water  Well drained Optimal soil texture  Various Acceptable soil pH  Neutral USDA hardiness  USDA zones 02a-09b AHS heat zones  Heat zones 08-01 Sunset climate zones  Not classified
 
Garden
Suitable for gardens  yes Nursery  Unknown Compost  no Size at acquisition  Unknown Garden location  Unknown Garden notes  Myrica cerifera has a colorful display of berries in the fall and early winter. The leaves of Southern bayberry (also known as candleberry, waxberry or wax myrtle) have a mild spicy aroma. This plant can survive the coldest of winter climates with annual temperatures as low as -50� Fahrenheit. This species needs summer days with high heat. This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It needs soil that is well drained.
 
Special qualities
Tolerates drought  no Tolerates high humidity  no Tolerates seaside conditions  no Insect resistant  no Disease resistant  no Deer resistant  no Best uses    Symbiosis  Attracts butterflies  no Attracts hummingbirds  no Autumn foliage  no Colorful berries  yes Desirable qualities    Other interest  small gray-white berries in autumn and w Other interest color  Other interest period   
 
Adverse factors
Common pests  Poisonous parts  Poisonous indications  Internal poison  no Dermatologic poison  no Livestock poison  no Mechanical injury  no Hay fever pollen    Hay fever season    Adverse qualities   
 
Herbal medicine
Medicinal properties  antibacterial   diaphoretic   irritable bowel relief Medicinal parts  Root bark Has medicinal uses  yes Do not self-administer  no Do no use if pregnant  yes Legally restricted  no Toxicity precautions  Medicinal notes  Myrica cerifera is considered by some to be an herbal remedy. It's used as an antibacterial, a diaphoretic or an irritable bowel relief. Southern bayberry (sometimes called candleberry, waxberry or wax myrtle) is not to be taken by pregnant women. Only the root bark is used in herbal preparations.
 
Traditional uses
Parts used  Traditional uses  Contemporary uses  Fragrance  aromatic leaves. delicious spicy fragrance Fragrance parts  Leaves Fragrance intensity  Mild Fragrance category  Spicy Dye parts  Dye color 
 
Cultivation
Propagule  Various Pollination method    Planting style    Crop spacing    Row spacing    Cold frame  Planting period    Harvesting period    Frost tolerance    Heat requirement    Fertilizer  Typical Time to harvest 
 
Nutrition
Is edible  no Culinary uses  Nutritional value  Edible parts  Description of edible parts Flavor / texture 
 
Horticulture
Horticulture notes 
 
Herbarium
Tag needs printing  no Collection notes  Myrica cerifera is a woody perennial. Southern bayberry (locally known in some parts as candleberry, waxberry or wax myrtle) is evergreen. Leaves: This plant has leathery leaves.

Page 3112 of 4998

Last reviewed November 01, 2004   

 

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