Family: Wax Myrtle (Myricaceae) Hardy to Zones 7 to 11 Perennial, dioecious, evergreen shrub to small tree to 25 feet. Native to the southern US. Traditional usage (TWM): the root bark is considered a stimulating astringent employed for treating diarrhea and dysentery. Bayberry root bark powder is an oldtime apothecary item. The wax that surrounds the seeds is a high grade plant wax that burns clear–aromatic to the max. I have extracted the wax by immersing the seeds in boiling water, then passing the liquid through a sieve and allowing the wax to float to the top and harden as it cools. This may be made into high-grade smokeless candles. Berries used in dyemaking. The plant is often employed as an impenetrable and evergreen hedge. Plant prefers full sun and fast-draining soils. Wax coating on seeds inhibits germination. Scarify to remove wax by rubbing on medium grit sandpaper and/or wash seeds in warm water with dish soap and rub vigorously between layers of cloth, then rinse in warm water. Sow in outdoor nursery bed or outdoor flats in the fall, winter, or very early spring, or give 6 weeks of moist refrigeration. Work up seedlings in pots until sufficiently robust to survive the rigors of the landscape. Space trees at least 15 feet apart. 30 seeds/pkt, open pollinated, untreated, NO GMO’s
