DOCSLIB.ORG

Waxmyrtle-- a Shrub for a Natural Riparian Buffer

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Waxmyrtle-- a Shrub for a Natural Riparian Buffer Waxmyrtle-- A Shrub for a Natural Riparian Buffer By Susan Camp When you live on a tidal creek or river, as do many of us on the Middle Peninsula, you bear a special responsibility to maintain a healthy interface between land and water. The plants that grow along a shoreline help to protect the adjacent waterway from erosion and pollutants, and they provide valuable habitat for the wildlife that live and feed along the banks. Jim and I are fortunate to live on property that was left in a natural state by the previous owners, and we have maintained the banks for 25 years with a minimum amount of labor and no expense. The native trees, shrubs, and grasses along the water’s edge maintain themselves with minor pruning of dead wood, trimming of greenbriers, and eradication of poison ivy. One of my favorite native shrubs is waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera or Morella cerifera), also called southern waxmyrtle or southern bayberry. Waxmyrtle is a small tree or large, multi-trunked, fast- growing shrub, depending on how it is pruned. Waxmyrtle produces numerous suckers that lend the shrub an irregular, leggy appearance, but it can be maintained with a single trunk. Waxmyrtle is found from New Jersey south to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, and west to Texas and Oklahoma, surviving in a wide range of environments from wet swamps to elevated forestland, although it is most often found in marshes and along tidal creeks and stream banks. The shrub grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 6b to 11. It is evergreen where winters are mild, but is classified as semi-evergreen in colder environments, which means it will lose its leaves when the temperature drops below 0 F. Waxmyrtle prefers full sun to partial shade in dry to wet sand, clay, or loam with a pH of 3.7 to 6.5. In other words, it isn’t fussy. Fruit production even increases when waxmyrtle is grown in poor soil. Waxmyrtle fixes nitrogen in the soil, which helps it survive under poor growing conditions. It is tolerant of salt spray and high winds and grows well near the seashore. Waxmyrtle is moderately deer resistant and has no serious insect pests. Iron chlorosis, which causes yellowing of the leaves around the veins, can occur when soil pH is too high (alkaline). A soil test performed by VA Tech can tell you if your soil is acidic or alkaline. You can pick up a soil test kit and form at the Gloucester Extension Office at 7400 Carriage Court. Few diseases infect waxmyrtle, although leaf anthracnose, a fungal disease, and leaf mosaic, caused by a virus, can occur. Waxmyrtle can reach a height of 15 to 20 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet. The glossy, oblong, olive-green leaves are 3 to 6 inches long. The leaves emit an aromatic, bayberry fragrance. Both male and female waxmyrtles must be planted for berry production. Male shrubs produce fragrant yellow catkins in spring. Female flowers are nondescript. When pollinated, female flowers develop into clusters of tiny, round, bluish-gray berries covered with a waxy coat. Birds consume the berries in fall and winter. The waxy coating is dissolved in the birds’ digestive systems, which allows the seeds to germinate when spread in droppings. Yellow- rumped warblers, Carolina wrens, mockingbirds, cardinals, and other birds eat waxmyrtle berries. Waxmyrtle is a larval host for the Red-Banded Hairstreak butterfly. Northern waxmyrtle or bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) is a close cousin to southern waxmyrtle in Hardiness Zones 3 to 6. Both shrubs produce the waxy, aromatic berries, which have been used since colonial times to make candles, soap, and sealing wax. Both the southern and northern species of Myrica are considered fire hazards because of the aromatic resin compounds in the leaves and branches. Information on southern waxmyrtle is found in the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Publication 2901-1070 “Southern Waxmyrtle (Myrica cerifera)”; the North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox entry “Myrica cerifera”; and the Native Plants of North America Plant Database entry “Morella cerifera.” August 22, 2019 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Invasive Trees of Georgia Pub10-14
    Pub. No. 39 October 2016 Invasive Trees of Georgia by Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, University of Georgia Georgia has many species of trees. Some are native trees and some have been introduced from outside the state, nation, or continent. Most of Georgia’s trees are well- behaved and easily develop into sustainable shade and street trees. A few tree species have an extrodinary ability to upsurp resources and take over sites from other plants. These trees are called invasive because they effectively invade sites, many times eliminat- ing other species of plants. There are a few tree species native to Georgia which are considered invasive in other parts of the country. These native invasives, may be well-behaved in Georgia, but reproduce and take over sites elsewhere, and so have gained an invasive status from at least one other invasive species list. Table 1. There are hundreds of trees which have been introduced to Georgia landscapes. Some of these exotic / naturalized trees are considered invasive. The selected list of Georgia invasive trees listed here are notorious for growing rampantly and being difficult to eradicate. Table 2. Table 1: Native trees considered invasive in other parts of the country. scientific name common name scientific name common name Acacia farnesiana sweet acacia Myrica cerifera Southern bayberry Acer negundo boxelder Pinus taeda loblolly pine Acer rubrum red maple Populus deltoides Eastern cottonwood Fraxinus americana white ash Prunus serotina black cherry Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Gleditsia triacanthos honeylocust Toxicodendron vernix poison sumac Juniperus virginiana eastern redcedar The University of Georgia is committed to principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action.
    [Show full text]
  • Texas Big Tree Registry a List of the Largest Trees in Texas Sponsored by Texas a & M Forest Service
    Texas Big Tree Registry A list of the largest trees in Texas Sponsored by Texas A & M Forest Service Native and Naturalized Species of Texas: 320 ( D indicates species naturalized to Texas) Common Name (also known as) Latin Name Remarks Cir. Threshold acacia, Berlandier (guajillo) Senegalia berlandieri Considered a shrub by B. Simpson 18'' or 1.5 ' acacia, blackbrush Vachellia rigidula Considered a shrub by Simpson 12'' or 1.0 ' acacia, Gregg (catclaw acacia, Gregg catclaw) Senegalia greggii var. greggii Was named A. greggii 55'' or 4.6 ' acacia, Roemer (roundflower catclaw) Senegalia roemeriana 18'' or 1.5 ' acacia, sweet (huisache) Vachellia farnesiana 100'' or 8.3 ' acacia, twisted (huisachillo) Vachellia bravoensis Was named 'A. tortuosa' 9'' or 0.8 ' acacia, Wright (Wright catclaw) Senegalia greggii var. wrightii Was named 'A. wrightii' 70'' or 5.8 ' D ailanthus (tree-of-heaven) Ailanthus altissima 120'' or 10.0 ' alder, hazel Alnus serrulata 18'' or 1.5 ' allthorn (crown-of-thorns) Koeberlinia spinosa Considered a shrub by Simpson 18'' or 1.5 ' anacahuita (anacahuite, Mexican olive) Cordia boissieri 60'' or 5.0 ' anacua (anaqua, knockaway) Ehretia anacua 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Carolina Fraxinus caroliniana 90'' or 7.5 ' ash, Chihuahuan Fraxinus papillosa 12'' or 1.0 ' ash, fragrant Fraxinus cuspidata 18'' or 1.5 ' ash, green Fraxinus pennsylvanica 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Gregg (littleleaf ash) Fraxinus greggii 12'' or 1.0 ' ash, Mexican (Berlandier ash) Fraxinus berlandieriana Was named 'F. berlandierana' 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, Texas Fraxinus texensis 60'' or 5.0 ' ash, velvet (Arizona ash) Fraxinus velutina 120'' or 10.0 ' ash, white Fraxinus americana 100'' or 8.3 ' aspen, quaking Populus tremuloides 25'' or 2.1 ' baccharis, eastern (groundseltree) Baccharis halimifolia Considered a shrub by Simpson 12'' or 1.0 ' baldcypress (bald cypress) Taxodium distichum Was named 'T.
    [Show full text]
  • Georgia Native Trees Considered Invasive in Other Parts of the Country. Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
    Invasive Trees of Georgia Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care, Warnell School, UGA Georgia has many species of trees. Some are native trees and some have been introduced from outside the state, nation, or continent. Most of Georgia’s trees are well-behaved and easily develop into sustainable shade and street trees. A few tree species have an extrodinary ability to upsurp resources and take over sites from other plants. These trees are called invasive because they effectively invade sites, many times eliminating other species of plants. There are a few tree species native to Georgia which are considered invasive in other parts of the country. These native invasives, may be well-behaved in Georgia, but reproduce and take over sites elsewhere, and so have gained an invasive status from at least one other invasive species list. Table 1. There are hundreds of trees which have been introduced to Georgia landscapes. Some of these exotic / naturalized trees are considered invasive. The selected list of Georgia invasive trees listed here are notorious for growing rampantly and being diffi- cult to eradicate. Table 2. They should not be planted. Table 1: Georgia native trees considered invasive in other parts of the country. scientific name common name scientific name common name Acacia farnesiana sweet acacia Myrica cerifera Southern bayberry Acer negundo boxelder Pinus taeda loblolly pine Acer rubrum red maple Populus deltoides Eastern Fraxinus americana white ash cottonwood Fraxinus pennsylvanica green ash Prunus serotina black cherry Gleditsia triacanthos honeylocust Robinia pseudoacacia black locust Juniperus virginiana eastern Toxicodendron vernix poison sumac redcedar Table 2: Introduced (exotic) tree / shrub species found in Georgia listed at a regional / national level as being ecologically invasive.
    [Show full text]
  • Seed Dispersal and Propagation of Three Myrica Species
    Of Birds and Bayberries : Alfred j. Fordham Seed Dispersal and Propagation of Three Myrica Species The genus Myrica comprises about 50 tral United States and from Europe to north- species (often ill-defined) distributed east Asia. throughout the temperate and subtropical All three of these species have nitrogen- areas of both hemispheres. The Arnold Ar- fixing root nodules, which enable them to boretum collection includes three species: thrive m areas where many other plants M. pensylvanica, M. cerifera, andM. gale. could not survive. They are dioecious - Myrica pensylvanica Lois., the common having staminate (male) and pistillate (fe- bayberry or candleberry, occurs naturally male) flowers on different plants - like hol- from Newfoundland to western New York lies and ashes. and Maryland, chiefly in poor soil. It is suck- The fruits of Myrica pensylvanica and M. ering in habit and tends to form shrubby cerifera are small (2.5-3 mm and 3.5~.5 mm clumps, which at maturity can range from 2 in diameter respectively) globose nuts with to 8 feet in height. Frequently it is found on waxlike coatings. It is this waxlike material roadside cuts, railroad banks, gravel pits, and that provides the fragrance in bayberry- other locations where topsoil has been re- scented candles and soap. It becomes bluish moved completely. In Boston its shiny green gray as it dries, making the thickly clustered leaves remain on the branches until No- fruits conspicuous in the landscape. The vember. They are fragrant when crushed, a fruits ripen in late September and are eaten characteristic of all Myrica species.
    [Show full text]
  • Myrica Cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle1 Edward F
    Fact Sheet ST-410 October 1994 Myrica cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION Multiple, twisted trunks with smooth, light grey bark, aromatic, olive green leaves, and clusters of grey-blue, waxy berries on female plants which are attractive to wildlife are just some of the reasons Southern Waxmyrtle is such a popular landscape plant (Fig. 1). Most specimens form a multi-stemmed, open, rounded canopy of weak trunks and branches. This rapidly-growing, small, evergreen native tree is capable of reaching a height of 25 feet with an equal spread but is usually seen in the 10 to 20-foot range. Sometimes used as a large shrubbery screen, Southern Waxmyrtle is ideal for use as a small tree, the lower limbs removed to reveal its picturesque form. One, or several clustered together, provide pleasing dappled shade for terraces or patios. Figure 1. Middle-aged Southern Waxmyrtle. GENERAL INFORMATION standard; small parking lot islands (< 100 square feet Scientific name: Myrica cerifera in size); narrow tree lawns (3-4 feet wide); specimen; Pronunciation: MEER-ih-kuh ser-IF-er-uh sidewalk cutout (tree pit); residential street tree; no Common name(s): Southern Waxmyrtle, Southern proven urban tolerance Bayberry Availability: generally available in many areas within Family: Myricaceae its hardiness range USDA hardiness zones: 7B through 11 (Fig. 2) Origin: native to North America DESCRIPTION Uses: Bonsai; container or above-ground planter; hedge; large parking lot islands (> 200 square feet in Height: 15 to 25 feet size); wide tree lawns (>6 feet wide); medium-sized Spread: 20 to 25 feet parking lot islands (100-200 square feet in size); Crown uniformity: irregular outline or silhouette medium-sized tree lawns (4-6 feet wide); Crown shape: round; vase shape recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or Crown density: moderate for median strip plantings in the highway; near a deck Growth rate: fast or patio; reclamation plant; screen; trainable as a 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Taxon: Morella Cerifera Family: Myricaceae Common Name Synonym
    Family: Myricaceae Taxon: Morella cerifera Synonym: Myrica cerifera L. (basionym) Common Name wax-myrtle bayberry candleberry Questionaire : current 20090513 Assessor: Chuck Chimera Designation: H(Hawai'i) Status: Assessor Approved Data Entry Person: Chuck Chimera WRA Score 20 101 Is the species highly domesticated? y=-3, n=0 n 102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? y=1, n=-1 103 Does the species have weedy races? y=1, n=-1 201 Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) - If island is primarily wet habitat, then (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High substitute "wet tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" high) (See Appendix 2) 202 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2- High high) (See Appendix 2) 203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) y=1, n=0 n 204 Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates y=1, n=0 y 205 Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range? y=-2, ?=-1, n=0 n 301 Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see y Appendix 2), n= question 205 302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see n Appendix 2) 303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 304 Environmental weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 305 Congeneric weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see y Appendix 2) 401 Produces spines, thorns or burrs y=1, n=0 n 402 Allelopathic y=1, n=0 y 403 Parasitic y=1, n=0 n 404 Unpalatable to grazing animals y=1, n=-1 n 405 Toxic to animals y=1, n=0 n 406
    [Show full text]
  • A Field Guide to Selected Trees and Shrubs of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Campus
    A Field Guide to Selected Trees and Shrubs of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Campus Written and Illustrated by: Richard H. Uva Class of 1991 Department of Biology Univeristy of Massachusetts Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA Edited by: James R. Sears Professor of Biology University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Converted to Web Format by: Sustainability Studies Seminar Class Spring 2012 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 1 Table of Contents RED MAPLE Ȃ ACER RUBRUM ............................................................................................................. 4 YELLOW BIRCH - BETULA LUTEA ...................................................................................................... 6 GRAY BIRCH - BETULA POPULIFOLIA .............................................................................................. 8 SWEET PEPPERBUSH - CLETHRA ALNIFOLIA .............................................................................. 10 SWEETFERN - COMPTONIA PEREGRINE ........................................................................................ 11 FLOWERING DOGWOOD - CORNUS FLORIDA .............................................................................. 13 AMERICAN BEECH - FAGUS GRANDIFOLIA ................................................................................... 15 WITCH-HAZEL - HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA ................................................................................... 17 INKBERRY - ILEX GLABRA ................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Allelopathy of Wax Myrtle (Myrica Cerifera) on Schinus Terebinthifolius
    No. 1, 1981] DUNEVITZ AND EWEL — ALLELOPATHY 13 KUSHLAN, J. A. 1978. White Ibis. Pp. 83-84. In Kale, H. W. II (ed.). Endangered Biota of Florida, vol. 2, Birds. Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. KUSHLAN, J. A., AND D. A. WHITE. 1977. Nesting wading bird populations in southern Florida. Florida Sci. 40:65-72. MURRAY, R. W., AND O. E. FRYE, JR. 1957. The bobwhite quail and its management in Florida. Florida Game Fresh Water Fish Comm., Game Publ. 2:1-56. OGDEN, J. C. 1978. Wood Stork. Pp. 3-4. In Kale, H. W. II (ed.). Endangered Biota of Florida, vol. 2, Birds. Univ. Presses of Florida, Gainesville. ROBERTSON, W. B., JR., AND J. A. KUSHLAN. 1974. The southern Florida avifauna. Pp. 414-452. In Gleason, P. J. (ed.). Environments of South Florida: Past and Present. Miami Geological Soc., Memoir 2. ROHWER, S. A., AND G. E. WOOLFENDEN. 1969. Breeding birds of two Florida woodlands: comparisons with areas north of Florida. Condor. 71:38-48. STODDARD, H. L. 1963. Bird habitat and fire. Proc. Ann. Tall Timbers Fire Ecol. Conf. 2:163-175. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED. 1978. Preliminary biological report for the proposed DeSoto Site Development. Prepared for Florida Power & Light Co., Miami. VOCL, R. J. 1973. Effects of fire on the plants and animals of a Florida wetland. Amer. Midi. Nat. 89:334-347. Florida Sci. 44(1):1-13. 1981. Biological Sciences ALLELOPATHY OF WAX MYRTLE (MYRICA CERIFERA) ON SCHINUS TEREBINTHIFOLIUS VICKI DUNEVITZ AND JOHN EWEL Botany Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611 ABSTRACT: Nutrient solution leached through soil in which wax myrtle teas rooted inhibited growth of schinus.
    [Show full text]
  • Trees, Shrubs, and Perennials That Intrigue Me (Gymnosperms First
    Big-picture, evolutionary view of trees and shrubs (and a few of my favorite herbaceous perennials), ver. 2007-11-04 Descriptions of the trees and shrubs taken (stolen!!!) from online sources, from my own observations in and around Greenwood Lake, NY, and from these books: • Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs, Michael A. Dirr, Timber Press, © 1997 • Trees of North America (Golden field guide), C. Frank Brockman, St. Martin’s Press, © 2001 • Smithsonian Handbooks, Trees, Allen J. Coombes, Dorling Kindersley, © 2002 • Native Trees for North American Landscapes, Guy Sternberg with Jim Wilson, Timber Press, © 2004 • Complete Trees, Shrubs, and Hedges, Jacqueline Hériteau, © 2006 They are generally listed from most ancient to most recently evolved. (I’m not sure if this is true for the rosids and asterids, starting on page 30. I just listed them in the same order as Angiosperm Phylogeny Group II.) This document started out as my personal landscaping plan and morphed into something almost unwieldy and phantasmagorical. Key to symbols and colored text: Checkboxes indicate species and/or cultivars that I want. Checkmarks indicate those that I have (or that one of my neighbors has). Text in blue indicates shrub or hedge. (Unfinished task – there is no text in blue other than this text right here.) Text in red indicates that the species or cultivar is undesirable: • Out of range climatically (either wrong zone, or won’t do well because of differences in moisture or seasons, even though it is in the “right” zone). • Will grow too tall or wide and simply won’t fit well on my property.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation Department Planting Guide
    CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT PLANTING GUIDE Page Planting Plan Requirements ----------------------------------------------- 2 CT Invasive Plant List Potentially Invasive Species ----------------------------------------------- 3-9 & Possible Native Substitutes Wetland Plant Suggestions: Less ----------------------------------------- 10-12 Subject to Deer Browse Salt Tolerant Plantings ----------------------------------------------------- 13 Native Plants ----------------------------------------------------------------- 14-18 Nurseries & ------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-20 Leaf Mulch Providers Buffer Plantings -------------------------------------------------------------- 21 Raingardens ------------------------------------------------------------------- 22-23 The Connecticut Butterfly Association ---------------------------------- 24 Planting Guide Xerces Society Pollinator Planting --------------------------------------- 25 Guide: Northeast Region References -------------------------------------------------------------------- 26 Prepared by: Westport Conservation Department Staff Revised: June 2019 Planting Plan Requirements All planting plans prepared for the Conservation Department are to show the following information. Survey of property. Maximum scale is 1”= 20’-0”. Smaller scale, 1”=10’-0” is also acceptable. Designer of the plan, address and phone number Address of property and property owner name Scale of drawing Date of drawing Title of drawing North arrow Adjoining streets Wetland limits
    [Show full text]
  • Half a Century of Ornithology in Texas: the Legacy of Dr
    Half a Century of Ornithology in Texas: the Legacy of Dr. Keith Arnold Edited by Daniel M. Brooks Miscellaneous Publications of The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Number 7 Ecology, behavior and reproduction of an introduced population of Scaly-breasted Munias (Lonchura punctulata ) in Houston, Texas Alyssa R. Conn 1, Lynn Chamberlain 2 and Daniel M. Brooks 1 1 Houston Museum of Natural Science, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77030-1799; e-mail: [email protected] 2 AECOM, 19219 Katy Freeway, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77094 Abstract - Results of a citizen-science project are reported to better understand potential impacts of an introduced population of Scaly-breasted Munias ( Lonchura punctulata ) in Houston, Texas. Houston records of munias accounted for 96% of all sightings in Texas. Nearly two-thirds of munias are found in urban habitats, with the remainder in more natural areas, especially parkland. A globose-shaped nest is built with young raised between early April - late September, and several nesting events are described. Munias are non-migratory, with flock size averaging 6.1 (range = 1-30), and three larger ‘mega-flocks’ are described. Munias are completely unaggressive towards other species and are observed foraging at feeders with 22 other species, of which 32% are other introduced species. The species most frequently associated with munias are House Finches ( Haemorhous mexicanus ) and American Goldfinches ( Spinus tristis ) which combined represented over one-half of all associations. Frequent behaviors included foraging (38%), vocalizing (24%), and perching (16%). The most common of the 25 species of plants used for perching are oak trees ( Quercus sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Woody and Herbaceous Plants Native to Haiti for Use in Miami-Dade Landscapes1
    Woody and Herbaceous Plants Native to Haiti For use in Miami-Dade Landscapes1 Haiti occupies the western one third of the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic the remainder. Of all the islands within the Caribbean basin Hispaniola possesses the most varied flora after that of Cuba. The plants contained in this review have been recorded as native to Haiti, though some may now have been extirpated due in large part to severe deforestation. Less than 1.5% of the country’s original tree-cover remains. Haiti’s future is critically tied to re- forestation; loss of tree cover has been so profound that exotic fast growing trees, rather than native species, are being used to halt soil erosion and lessen the risk of mudslides. For more information concerning Haiti’s ecological plight consult references at the end of this document. For present purposes all of the trees listed below are native to Haiti, which is why non-natives such as mango (the most widely planted tree) and other important trees such as citrus, kassod tree (Senna siamea) and lead tree (Leucanea leucocephala) are not included. The latter two trees are among the fast growing species used for re-forestation. The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History’s Flora of the West Indies was an invaluable tool in assessing the range of plants native to Haiti. Not surprisingly many of the listed trees and shrubs 1 John McLaughlin Ph.D. U.F./Miami-Dade County Extension Office, Homestead, FL 33030 Page | 1 are found in other parts of the Caribbean with some also native to South Florida.
    [Show full text]