Southern Bayberry Waxmyrtle Myrica cerifera 200 Seeds

Myrica cerifera, commonly known as wax myrtle or southern bayberry, is a species of flowering shrub native to the southeastern United States. Here's a description:

Appearance: It typically grows as a dense, multi-stemmed shrub, though it can sometimes take the form of a small tree. The leaves are aromatic, leathery, and lance-shaped, with a glossy, dark green color on the upper surface and a lighter green underside. The foliage often emits a pleasant fragrance when crushed.

Berries: One of the most distinctive features of Myrica cerifera is its waxy berries, which are small, round, and grayish-white in color. These berries are produced on female plants and are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife during the winter months.

Habitat: Wax myrtle is commonly found in coastal areas, marshes, pine barrens, and other sandy or well-drained soils. It is known for its ability to tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including poor, acidic, or salty soils, making it well-suited for coastal landscapes.

Ecological Importance: Besides providing food for wildlife, wax myrtle also offers habitat and nesting sites for birds. Its dense growth habit and evergreen foliage make it useful for erosion control and as a windbreak in coastal areas.

Cultural Uses: Historically, various parts of the wax myrtle plant have been used by indigenous peoples and early settlers for medicinal purposes, as well as for making candles and soap. The fragrant leaves were also used to repel insects.

Growth and Maintenance: Wax myrtle is relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring little to no pruning or fertilization. It is tolerant of drought once established but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells, particularly in sandy soils. Hardy in zones 7-10.

Growing Instructions

Remove all of the wax from the seeds by washing them in warm detergent water three times. Cold stratify the seeds at about 40 degrees F for 90 days. Then sow the seeds 1/4" deep and tamp the soil. The seeds should germinate in about three weeks. M. cerifera grows in a variety of soils but it prefers well-drained, acidic soils.