Flora of the Southeastern United States

Morella pensylvanica (Mirbel) Kartesz. Common name: Northern Bayberry. Phenology: Apr; Aug-Oct. Habitat: Dunes, sometimes even on the foredune and stoloniferously colonizing the upper beach, more typically behind the foredune on secondary dunes and sandy flats, often growing intermixed with Morella cerifera, but able to occupy drier sites higher on the dunes, from VA north, also ranging inland in sandy situations. Distribution: NL (Newfoundland), QC, and ON south to ne. NC (Avon or Kinnakeet, Dare County), n. OH, and s. MI.

ID notes: On interdune flats, it often grows intermixed with Morella cerifera, but is readily distinguished (even at a distance) by its stoloniferous growth (appearing as dome-shaped clones 3-20 m in diameter), stouter twigs, and tardily deciduous leaves. The twigs of this species are noticeably stouter than those of Morella cerifera; measured at 10 cm from the twig tips, they are (2-) 3-5 mm in diameter, those of Morella cerifera ca. 1.5-2.5 mm.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Synonymy ⓘ: = Can, K4, NS, Va, Weakley & Poindexter (2023) in Weakley et al (2023); = Cerothamnus pensylvanicus (Mirb.) Moldenke; = Myrica pensylvanica Loiseleur — C, F, FNA3, GW2, Mi, POWO, RAB, Tat, Elias (1971b); < Cerothamnus carolinensis (Mill.) Tidestr. — S; < Morella caroliniensis (Mill.) Small — NE, NY, S13, Herbert (2005), Wilbur (1994); < Myrica pensylvanica Loiseleur — G, Pa. Basionym: Myrica pensylvanica Loiseleur 1804

Links to other floras: = Myrica pensylvanica - FNA3

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FAC
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FAC
• Midwest: FAC
• Northcentral & Northeast: FAC

Heliophily ⓘ: 8