Northern Gooseberry vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Northern Gooseberry vs Northern Bayberry

Myrica pensylvanica

Ribes oxyacanthoides

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Northern Bayberry
Northern Gooseberry

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.

Northern Gooseberry is a small, ornamental quality native shrub with prickly stems. You can plant it anywhere you'd plant Prickly Rose or Common Wild Rose, such as your yard.

Most people find Northern Gooseberry berries a bit tart for significant fresh eating but they are good for baking, wine or jam.

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Northern Gooseberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 1a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: any
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none

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

Berries: blue-gray
Berries: purple or purplish black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NL, YT, NT
Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub
Other Names: canada gooseberry, canadian gooseberry