Chincoteague Wax Myrtle
Southern Bayberry
(Myrica cerifera)

Chincoteague and Assateague Islands abound in this small tree that grows on the edges of the marshes. When crushed, its narrow shiny green leaves have a fragrance reminiscent of bay leaves. Its grayish black berries can be collected and, upon boiling in water, produce a waxy oil used in bayberry-scented candles. The trunk of this tree is generally quite small, though at the base some of the older specimens grow to a four or five inch diameter.

This particular tree resided “down the island” and was pushed over to make room for a new house late in 2004. The trunk was rescued from the marsh and cut into small billets while still green. Because wax myrtle shrinks significantly upon drying, this wood was seasoned for three months before being cut to dimension, then dried another 4 months before turning.