Myrica cerifera
Southern Wax Myrtle
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Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Description
Myrica cerifera is a small tree or large shrub native to North America. Its common names include (Southern) Wax myrtle, (Southern) Bayberry, Candleberry, Bayberry tree, and Tallow shrub. It sees uses both in the garden and for candlemaking, as well as a medicinal plant.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Blooming
Inconspicuous catkins.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Growth
Evergreen and deciduous, a few species are shrubs and small trees grown for aromatic foliage and small berries. Depending on species, they grow to 4 feet to 20-30 feet.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Planting
Vary in requirements. Propagate from seeds by first removing wax coating; two month of cold stratification may help. M. cerifera is propagated from semi hardwood cuttings in early summer or root cuttings in winter.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Pest
Myrica is susceptible to dieback, stem rots, root rots, rust, and leaf spots.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Interesting facts
The waxy fruit is indigestable to some birds, but attracts others and is a good winter food source for Yellow-rumped Warblers in particular. The fruit can also be eaten by people, notably Myrica rubra, and its wax used to make candles.
Southern Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera) - Soil and irrigation
Varies by species. Many can withstand some challenging conditions such as drought or boggy sites. Humus-rich, well-drained soil is best.
