northern bayberry Myricaceae Morella pensylvanica (Mirb.) Kartesz   symbol: MOPE6
	Leaf: Alternate, deciduous to semi-evergreen, simple, fragrant, obovate to ovate with a tapered base, to 4 inches long, often toothed near the tip but may be entire, dark green and waxy-shiny above, sometimes pubescent, pale green below, yellow resin dots on lower surface only. Flower: Dioecious; both male and female flowers are small (1/2 inch), appearing as catkins in the leaf axils in spring, before the leaves. Fruit: Round, initially pubescent, becoming waxy bluish-white drupes (1/8 inch+ in diameter), appearing in clusters on short stalks, ripening in late summer and persisting. Twig: Slender and brittle, reddish brown but appearing gray to white with pubescence, becoming smooth and gray-brown with age. Bark: Thin and smooth, gray-brown. Form: Usually a rounded shrub, commonly to 10 feet but may reach 30 feet.
	USDA Plants Database Morella pensylvanica is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting northern bayberry (opens a new window).