Myrtle and bayberry are not the same plant, but they are related. Myrtle refers to plants in the Myrtus genus, while bayberry refers to plants in the Morella genus. Both plants belong to the same family, Myricaceae.
One common confusion between myrtle and bayberry arises from the fact that both plants have similar common names. Southern wax myrtle is sometimes referred to as southern bayberry, which can create confusion. However, it is important to note that southern wax myrtle (Morella cerifera) and true bayberry (Myrica spp.) are different species.
Southern wax myrtle, or southern bayberry, is a large shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It has dense branches and can grow up to 10-15 feet tall and 8-10 feet wide. It is an evergreen plant, but in colder regions, it may be semi-evergreen. This means that it may lose some of its foliage in colder temperatures.
True bayberry, on the other hand, refers to plants in the Myrica genus. The most well-known species is Myrica pensylvanica, also known as northern bayberry. Northern bayberry is a deciduous shrub that is native to eastern North America. It grows to about 6-10 feet tall and has aromatic leaves and small berries.
While both southern wax myrtle and true bayberry have similar characteristics, such as their ability to attract wildlife and their aromatic foliage, they have distinct differences. For example, southern wax myrtle has larger leaves and grows taller compared to true bayberry. Additionally, the berries of southern wax myrtle are covered in a waxy coating, which is used to make candles and soaps, giving it the name “wax myrtle.”
In terms of cultivation, southern wax myrtle is more commonly used in landscaping, especially in the southeastern United States, due to its adaptability to various soil types and its tolerance to salt spray. It is often used as a hedge or screen plant, and its dense growth habit provides privacy and wind protection. True bayberry, on the other hand, is less commonly cultivated in gardens but is valued for its ornamental and ecological qualities.
While both myrtle and bayberry are related plants, they are not the same. Southern wax myrtle, also known as southern bayberry, belongs to the Morella genus, while true bayberry refers to plants in the Myrica genus. Each plant has its own unique characteristics and uses in landscaping and gardening.
