Northern bayberry, Candleberry
Myrica pensylvanica

Family: Myricaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1.8-3 m high. It is spreading and suckering. It loses many or all of its leaves depending on how cold the climate is. The leaves are 2.5-8 cm long and sword shaped. The leaves may or may not have teeth around the edge. The fruit are waxy berries. They are pale grey.

There are about 50 Myrica species. The wax of the fruit is used to scent candles.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 3-6.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Europe, North America, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are pickled and dried and used to flavour soups and stews. The leaves are removed before serving.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Probably now Morella pensylvanica;