Ninebark vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Ninebark vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Physocarpus opulifolius

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Northern Bayberry
Ninebark

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.

Ninebark is a small, multi-stemmed shrub, that is used to add texture or colour to any yard.

It features flaky, cinnamon-brown bark, attractive white flowers, and long, maple-like leaves.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Ninebark Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Flowers: small white clusters
Berries: blue-gray
Berries: small pink to purple berry like follicles
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


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