Virginia Creeper vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Virginia Creeper vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Bayberry
Virginia Creeper

Northern Bayberry makes an excellent hedge or feature shrub. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They produce blue-grey berries that have a wax coating on them that can be used to make candles or soaps.

In colder hardiness zones the leaves turn an attractive orange to red colour in the fall, making it a striking addition to your landscape.

Northern Bayberry is native to Nova Scotia and tolerates both drought and wet conditions. It is also a nitrogen fixer that tolerates poor soil conditions.

Virginia Creeper is a fast-growing, climbing vine. Its root-like tendrils attach themselves to any non-smooth surface, even brick, but will also grow as a ground cover.

Virginia Creeper makes a beautiful ornamental plant for your garden; its attractive foliage turns from green to deep red in the fall. Birds will love its red berries.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Virginia Creeper Quick Facts

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Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.

Toxicity: berries are toxic
Fall colour: red and purple
Berries: blue-gray
Berries: small, hard, purple
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: ON
Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub
Other Names: five-finger, five-leaved ivy