Bayberry (Myrica heterophylla)

Family: Myricaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Myrica heterophylla is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — The following notes are for the closely related M.; It is assumed that they also apply to this species.; Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is about 2 - 4mm in diameter with a single large seed.

Habitat & North American Range

Bogs, stream, pond and lake margins, moist regions of mixed deciduous forests, pine flatlands near pitcher-plant bogs, swamps from sea level to 250 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)