THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS: 7. Myrica pensylvanica Loisel.

Abstract

Myrica pensylvanica Loisel., bayberry (Myricaceae) is a native shrub occurring mainly along or near the seacoast of the Maritime Provinces. M. pensylvanica grows on light sandy soils that are highly acidic, and is the major weed problem of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait. and V. myrtilloides Michx.) fields developed on the Culloden soil series in Prince Edward Island. Lateral growth of M. pensylvanica is by rhizome, and following burning, new shoots grow from dormant buds of the stem or rhizome. Due to the waxy nature of the upper surface of the leaves, M. pensylvanica is quite resistant to salt spray and the herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in oil applied to cut branches will control this weed.