Northern Bayberry - Morella Pensylvanica: Edible & Medicinal Uses for Wild Bay Leaf

Northern bayberry (Morella pensylvanica syn. Myrica pensylvanica) isn’t listed in Haliburton Flora and despite the name is more abundant to the south. Its relation sweet gale/ bog myrtle is more common in our area. It’s native to Ontario but may be closer to near native in cottage country.

Bayberry photo used here and in header image by Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man), CC BY-SA 2.5 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Edible Uses of Northern Bayberry

As the name suggests, bayberry leaves can be used like bay leaves for seasoning. This includes the southern species wax myrtle (M. cerifera), although the northern bayberry has a stronger taste than the southern. The kitchen herb bay is stronger yet. The leaves or tips are gathered from spring to fall and they dry well.

Medicinal Uses of Northern Bayberry

Bayberry is primarily said to support these body systems:

Circulatory
Digestive
Integumentary
Lymphatic
Reproductive
Respiratory
Urinary

Medicinal tags include Alterative, Astringent, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Emetic, Expectorant and (Circulatory) Stimulant. See Medicinal tag key for more information.

Common usage is the root bark as a digestive astringent for conditions like leaky gut, IBS and mucous colitis; perhaps combined with agrimony or comfrey. And other astringent uses, such as for colds and flu, ulcers, excess vaginal discharge, etc. In western herbals, the southern species is noted more, but they are closely related enough to hybridize. And at least according to some expert herbalists, they can be substituted for each other.

Alternative Uses of Candleberry

The nutlets/berries have a greyish wax coating. This coating can be removed and used to make waxberry candles.

The berries and leaves are aromatic and can be used for potpourris and perfumes.

Growing Morella/Myrica Pensylvanica

While this plant prefers water edges in the wild, I have seen it used often in landscaping and especially as a hedge or border, even kept trimmed like token boxwood. To our south (the States) the species becomes evergreen. The clusters of white nutlets are decorative too, and better yet feed many species of wildlife. Native bayberry will thrive best in a moist sunny spot, and will love Haliburton’s tendency toward acidic soil. But it is versatile.

An added perk to bayberry is that it can tolerate the salt we use on our roads in the winter, making it a great choice for those on the highway for a 6-8 ft. privacy hedge if left to grow and grow here. And perhaps if we decide to actually tackle roadside invasive plants, a shrub like this would come in very useful.

WARNINGS

Avoid consuming if pregnant.

And the Usual Cautions:

1) Most medicinal herbs, if edible, are meant to be eaten in moderation, even sparingly. Some require extra preparation. Tannins are toxic if consumed in excess. Before taking any new supplements, you should consult with a healthcare professional.

2) A vast amount of these herbs are diuretic. (See the Medicinal tags above to check if this featured herb is one of them!) Diuretics are generally safe, but they can be risky for people with other medical conditions or who take certain medications. Please consult your doctor if you have any health conditions.

3) People can be allergic or sensitive to nearly any plant; try new herbs one at a time at your own risk. For instance, saponins commonly cause stomach upset.

4) For serious medicinal use, I must recommend receiving a diagnosis and working with a reputed health care provider. I generally do not post specific treatments and dosages because I think that is best between you and your health care provider, and ideally monitored.

5) Anyone pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs should talk to a health care professional before adding new food items to their diet.

6) Many plants have look-a-likes, and sometimes they are poisonous.

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REFERENCES

My new favourite foraging book is Sam Thayer’s Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: of Eastern and Central North America (The Sam Thayer’s Field Guides) Paperback – June 1, 2023 and this plant IS featured as one of the edible wild plants in this area. I highly recommend this guide for your bookshelves!

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/plant_animals/plants/myrica_spp.html

https://data.canadensys.net/vascan/taxon/6681

wiki/Myrica_pensylvanica

Mi’kmaq Medicines (2nd edition): Remedies and Recollections

Northeast Foraging: 120 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Beach Plums to Wineberries (Regional Foraging Series)

The Earthwise Herbal, Volume II: A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants