Russian White Mulberry vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Russian White Mulberry vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Morus alba tatarica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Bayberry
Russian White Mulberry

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.

Russian White Mulberry is a cold hardy and adaptable tree. It is a great choice for the impatient gardener as it reaches its mature height in a short period of time and has an attractive, dense, and rounded form.

Odd looking berries are produced among a backdrop of glossy, deep green foliage. The blackberry-esque berries ripen slowly over the season, ranging in color from white, pink, and purple-violet. While the berries are not well regarded for fresh eating, they have made tasty jams and preserves.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Russian White Mulberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 4a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium

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

Flowers: white
Berries: blue-gray
Berries: white, tart, nutritious and sweet
Flavor: light sweet taste
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


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