Home
Education
Nature Trails
Envirothon
Demonstration Forest
Bee Hive
Birdwatching
Wildflowers
Eagle Scouts
Deer Management
 

Waxberry, Southern Bayberry, Candleberry

Cerifera means "waxy-fruit." The fruit is eaten by about 40 different birds, and was used for candle making, soaps, and as bay leaves in stews and soups. Try this: gather some waxy-blue berries and boil them until melted. Skim off the wax and pour into a mold. The strong smell of "palmitin" from the burning candle was said to help the pioneers breathe during the long, cold, winter months.

Quick ID:

This is an evergreen shrub. Leaves are simple and alternate. Leaf margin sometimes serrate above the middle. Leaves are dark green and waxy, and have a pungent order when crushed. Look for the orange-colored glands on young twigs.

     
<<Previous Stop                 Next Stop>>