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Search Term(s): Morella cerifera   (1 record found)

MYRICACEAE
Bayberry Family
Morella cerifera  (Southern bayberry)   
[ + ]
Synonym
Myrica cerifera L.;M. pusilla Raf.
Carex Section
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Meaning of Scientific Name
Morella: most likely a diminutive of Morus, the Mullberry genus; cerifera: bearing wax
Native Plant
Yes
Life Form
Perennial Shrub
Phenology (Flowering Period)
April-May
Physiographic Province
☐ Piedmont
☑ Coastal Plain

County Distribution
☑ New Castle
☑ Kent
☑ Sussex

Habitat
Inner-dune swales, edges of brackish marshes and rivers, swampy woodlands
State Status
Common
Piedmont Status
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Coastal Plain Status
Common
Global Rank
--
Federal Status
--
Geographic Affinity
Southern
Species at Limit of Distribution
☐ Northern
☐ Southern

North American Distribution (Non-indigenous Species)
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Coefficient of Conservatism
4
Invasive
--
Invasive Watchlist
--
Global Origin (Non-native Species)
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Wildlife Values
Host plant for Calycopis cecrops (Red-Banded Hairstreak Butterfly).
Medicinal Properties
Part used: Root Bark. Used internally as a tea or tincture for sinusitis, post-nasal drip, head colds, diarrhea, and colitis. Topically used for bed sores, as a mouthwash for periodontal disease, cold sores, and in a sitz bath for hemorrhoids and episiotomy incisions. An infusion of the leaves is used topically for fungal infections.
ID Notes
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Additional Info
Species is dioecious.
Habitats in which this plant occurs
Beach and Dune Habitats (Interdunal Wetlands, herbaceous, shrub, forested)
Beach and Dune Habitats (Shrublands)
Beach and Dune Habitats (Forests and Woodlands)
Brackish Tidal Shrub Wetlands
Freshwater Shrub Tidal Wetlands
Peat Wetlands (Acidic Fens)