Northern Bayberry
Morella pensylvanica · Also known as: Myrica pensylvanica, candleberry
Hardier bayberry cousin of the Mid-Atlantic coast. Aromatic shrub with waxy berries on Assateague and mainland Delmarva.
Quick facts
| Group | Coastal forest |
|---|---|
| Likelihood nearby | ★★★★☆ |
| Habitats | Mainland near OC, Assateague State Park, Assateague National Seashore, Dunes, Ocean beach |
| Seasons (this coast) | year-round |
How to recognize them
- Similar to southern wax myrtle but often smaller and more cold-tolerant; leaves narrower with a spicy scent.
- Gray waxy berries on female plants; male catkins in spring are less conspicuous.
Biology notes
- Coastal plain and dune shrub; overlaps with southern wax myrtle in Maryland—both called “bayberry” locally.
- Important winter bird food; colonial-era source of bayberry candle wax.
Where to see them around Ocean City
- Assateague Island scrub and dune hollows behind the ocean beach.
- Mainland coastal preserves and roadside edges between Ocean City and Berlin.
When to look
- Year-round leaves; berries persist into winter when not stripped by birds.
Viewing tips & etiquette
- Compare leaf shape and habitat with southern wax myrtle—both occur on Assateague.
- Winter bird walks often target bayberry patches for warblers and catbirds.
