Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) Morella rubra
Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) (Morella rubra) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Myricaceae family, native to Southern China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines. It grows 6–15 m (20–49 ft) tall and 6–10 m (20–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Mature height | 6–15 m (20–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 4.5–6 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: fruit (fresh, juice, wine) |
| Native to | Southern China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines |
| Common in gardens of | 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇵🇭 Philippines |
Is Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With English lavender: Acid-loving plants need pH 4.5–5.5, lavender prefers neutral to alkaline soil; one bed cannot suit both. Evidence B
Questions about Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo)
- How far apart should I plant Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–10 m (20–33 ft).
- Does Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo)?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) flower?
- From about March for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Yangmei (Chinese bayberry, yamamomo). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- Knobbly crimson-to-black sweet–sour fruit in early summer, a famous crop of Zhejiang. Wind-pollinated, with separate male and female trees; root nodules fix nitrogen, so it thrives on poor acid hillsides.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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