Morella cerifera is a large evergreen shrub native to southern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Bayberry bark was traditionally used for its beneficial properties in indigenous healing practices and later in American folk herbalism. Bayberry root bark can be extracted, infused, and used in topical applications.
Bayberry trees grow near swamps and marshes, in sandy soil, or pine barrens. They are widely cultivated in the Eastern U.S. and the British Isles. Before becoming aware of its beneficial properties, American colonists used bayberry in candle making due to the wonderful fragrance of the leaves. The leaves release an intense, pleasant fragrance when rubbed.
The bayberry tree is said to impart good luck and prosperity to the house next to which it is planted. Many rituals involving good luck have revolved around the bayberry tree. For instance, it is thought that if you burn a bayberry candle on New Year’s Eve you will have good luck the following year, or if you carry a piece of the bark or berries around in a small satchel, or a dry leaf in your wallet, it will attract money. Other common names include candle berry, southern bayberry, and wax myrtle.
