Nannyberry vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Viburnum lentago

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

Northern Bayberry
Nannyberry

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.

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Nannyberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Nannyberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: blue-gray
Berries: red to purple
Flowers: white
Bark: gray and scaly
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium



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

Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub
Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum