Myrica rubra

Chinese Bayberry, known locally as Yangmei in its native China, is an evergreen small tree or large shrub that is cherished for its delicious, edible fruit. While Chinese Bayberry fruit have long been cultivated commercially in China, they are a relatively recent introduction to North America and are just beginning to be recognized for their potential here. In addition to being eaten fresh, the fruit can be used in jams, jellies, wines, and desserts. There has been some confusion around the name “Strawberry Tree”, which has been used for both this plant and Arbutus unedo native to the Mediterranean, which are unrelated plants that superficially look similar.

Chinese Bayberry is a moderately slow-growing plant that can eventually reach 35 feet high, although they are easily maintained as large shrubs. With attractive serrated, lanceolate foliage, these plants are both attractive and useful. There are naturally both male and female plants for this species and generally both are needed for fruit production. Plants are tolerant of a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but requires regular watering, particularly during the fruiting season.

Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8b or to 15 degrees Fahrenheit

For sale are packets of 8 seeds