Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Carmine Jewel Cherry vs Northern Bayberry

Prunus x kerrasis Carmine Jewel

Myrica pensylvanica

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Carmine Jewel Cherry
Northern Bayberry

Carmine Jewel Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It is typically highly productive and one of the first varieties to ripen in summer. It produces deep red, tart fruit that are well-suited for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Carmine Jewel Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

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.

Carmine Jewel Cherry Quick Facts

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 2.0 m (7 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.
Fall colour: orange
Flowers: white
Berries: large dark purple cherries
Berries: blue-gray
Fruit size: 3.5g
Flavor: tart - best for pies and jams
Harvest: late July to early August
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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