Scarification: Soak in water, let stand in water for 24 hours
Stratification: cold stratify for 90 days
Germination: sow seed 1/4" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed
Other: can be fall sown without stratification.
In a Nutshell:
* Myrica cerifera is a small tree or large shrub , and is adaptable to many habitats. It grows naturally in wetlands, near flowing bodies of water, sand dunes , fields, hillsides, pine barrens , and in both needleleaf and mixed-broadleaf forests. Specimens in drier and sandier areas are shrub-like, have rhizomes and smaller leaves than usual. Specimens in wetter areas are more tree-like with bigger leaves.
* The fruit is a source of food for a lot of bird species, including the Northern Bobwhite Quail and the Wild Turkey . In winter, the seeds are important foods for the Carolina Wren and species of Tree Sparrow . To a point, M. cerifera will also provide habitat for the Northern Bobwhite Quail.
* M. cerifera' s root system is fire-resistant. As of 1991, no known fire has killed this plant's roots. However, this plant will not survive shoot destruction indefinitely. Three consecutive years of shoot destruction may kill all plants affected. If this does not happen, this species will regrow a shoot. This is most rapid in the first season after a fire. more...
