How much sun does Evergreen Bayberry need?

Evergreen Bayberry grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Evergreen Bayberry bloom?

Evergreen Bayberry blooms in May and June.

Where is Evergreen Bayberry native?

Evergreen Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Evergreen Bayberry toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Evergreen Bayberry as toxic to livestock.

What butterflies or moths does Evergreen Bayberry host?

Evergreen Bayberry is a larval host plant for imperial moth.

Is Evergreen Bayberry HOA-friendly?

Evergreen Bayberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Evergreen Bayberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Morella caroliniensis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Evergreen Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Evergreen Bayberry as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–120" H × 36"–96" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

A native shrub that forms colonies through underground stems. It produces small waxy berries that persist into winter and aromatic foliage when crushed. This adaptable plant tolerates salt spray and poor soils while providing year-round structure.

In an HOA neighborhood

Evergreen Bayberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Can become dense and require pruning to maintain shape

Wildlife value

Host plant for imperial moth.

The waxy berries are a crucial winter food source for many bird species including tree swallows and yellow-rumped warblers. Spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination.

Common questions

How much sun does Evergreen Bayberry need?: Evergreen Bayberry grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Evergreen Bayberry bloom?: Evergreen Bayberry blooms in May and June.
Where is Evergreen Bayberry native?: Evergreen Bayberry (Morella caroliniensis) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Evergreen Bayberry toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Evergreen Bayberry as toxic to livestock.
What butterflies or moths does Evergreen Bayberry host?: Evergreen Bayberry is a larval host plant for imperial moth.
Is Evergreen Bayberry HOA-friendly?: Evergreen Bayberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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