mayberry

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

4-6 ft. tall
4-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By cutting

Plant Propagation Notes

Propagation from seed is challenging and often has a low success rate even with stratification. Propagation from hardwood cuttings, taken just after leaves have expanded but before flowering.

Plant Planting Notes

Does not transplant well. Plants may be started in containers, but should not be moved once planted in the ground.

Plants/Diseases

Leaves can become chlorotic in alkaline soils. Occasionally diseases such as stem blight, root rot, mildew or botrytis can be an issue. Fruits may be affected by drosophila, fruit worms, or blueberry maggots.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Leaves alternate, elliptical with serrate margins; approximately 1′ and glossy.

Flowers

White with a tinge of pink with fused petals to form a bell shape on racemes.

Fruit

Small, edible berries that turn black when ripe.

Bark

Dark brown to red or burgundy and exfoliating.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

Fruits are edible.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Natural levees, bottomlands, river terraces and other areas with moist, well drained soils.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the South Carolina coastal plain, sandhills, and piedmont. Absent in the mountains. Primarily a coastal plain species.