Nova Scotia grown

Northern BayberryNursery grown
  • Northern Bayberry — photo 1
  • Northern Bayberry — photo 2
  • Northern Bayberry — photo 3
  • Grown with care in Nova Scotia
  • Cold-hardy selection
  • Secure packaging
  • Live arrival guarantee

Northern Bayberry

A rugged, fragrant native shrub prized for its waxy grey berries and unbeatable resilience. Northern Bayberry thrives in coastal winds, salt spray, sandy soils, and harsh conditions—while attracting birds year-round. Perfect for low-maintenance hedges, wildlife gardens, and restoration projects. Extreme Salt Tolerance — thrives in coastal and roadside conditions Fragrant Foliage — clean, aromatic leaves with natural pest resistance Bird Magnet — wax-coated berries provide valuable winter food Lo

  • Plant typeNative Plant

Out of season — ordering reopens in November.

Browse varieties and plan your planting now. Product pages remain available year-round.

CA$9.00from · CAD

Ordering reopens in November

Quantity
1
Northern Bayberry
CA$9.00
What do the plant forms mean?
  • Pot-readyEstablished in a nursery pot with soil, so the planting window is flexible — hold it happily for weeks before it goes in the ground.

Why buy from Little Tree Farm?

  • Locally grown in Nova Scotia
  • Climate ready & hardy
  • Carefully packed for safe delivery
  • Live arrival guarantee

Product details

About Northern Bayberry

Northern Bayberry ( Myrica pensylvanica ) is one of the most resilient, wildlife-friendly native shrubs in Eastern North America. Known for its aromatic foliage and clusters of wax-coated grey berries, this shrub thrives in conditions where most plants fail—coastal winds, road salt, sandy soils, and nutrient-poor environments. It’s an essential species for restoration plantings, wildlife gardens, and low-maintenance landscapes. Pot-Ready: Start in a pot or nursery bed for one season before transplanting. Why Grow Northern Bayberry • Extremely hardy and adaptable • Thrives in sandy, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils • Salt-tolerant—ideal for coastal regions and roadside planting • Produces grey, waxy berries loved by birds • Aromatic foliage with a clean, spicy scent • Drought-tolerant once established • Naturally disease and pest resistant • Excellent for hedges, screening, and habitat creation Quick Facts Feature Details Botanical Name Myrica pensylvanica Hardiness Zone 3–7 Height 5–10 ft mature Spread 4–8 ft Growth Rate Medium Exposure Full Sun to Part Shade Soil Sandy, loam, poor soils; well-drained Tolerance Salt, drought, wind Wildlife Value Very high; berries feed winter birds Planting & Care Northern Bayberry performs best in full sun and well-drained soil, but it is incredibly forgiving. Once rooted, it becomes drought-tolerant and thrives even in harsh locations. Minimal pruning is needed—shape only in late winter or early spring if desired. Ideal For • Wildlife gardens • Native restoration projects • Coastal landscapes and dunes • Roadside or salt-exposed areas • Low-maintenance garden borders • Hedges and screening • Soil stabilization FEATURES (BULLET LIST) • Salt-tolerant and coastal-hardy • Fragrant foliage • Waxy grey berries for birds • Low maintenance, drought-tolerant • Pest and disease resistant • Excellent for restoration and wildlife habitat • Thrives in poor soils SPECIFICATIONS TABLE Attribute Value Botanical Name Myrica pensylvanica Mature Height 5–10 ft Mature Spread 4–8 ft Growth Form Multi-stem deciduous shrub Growth Rate Medium Light Full Sun / Part Shade Soil Sandy, rocky, or nutrient-poor soils Water Needs Low once established Hardiness Zone 3–7 Berry Type Grey wax-coated clusters Wildlife Value High Frequently Asked Questions Does Northern Bayberry tolerate coastal wind and salt? Yes — it is one of the best native shrubs for salt-exposed and windy coastal environments. Does it attract wildlife? Absolutely. Its waxy grey berries persist into winter and feed birds such as waxwings, chickadees, and yellow-rumped warblers. Is Northern Bayberry good for hedges or screening? Yes — it naturally forms a full, multi-stem shrub ideal for dense, attractive hedges. How much maintenance does it need? Very little. It is naturally pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and rarely requires pruning. What kind of soil does it prefer? It thrives in poor, sandy, or rocky soil — no need for rich soil or special amendments. Will Northern Bayberry grow in partial shade? Yes — it grows in full sun or part shade, though full sun produces the most berries. Does it spread aggressively? It can gently spread via root suckers but stays manageable and is considered an ecological asset.

Planting compatibility

Designed To Thrive Where You Live

Healthy roots start with the right match. Here's where this plant shines.