Myrica rubra

Flowers:

The flowers of Myrica rubra are subtle yet botanically fascinating. Blooming in late winter to early spring (typically February to March), the tree is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.

• Appear in small, catkin-like clusters, usually in the leaf axils. They're pale yellowish to reddish in color and resemble tiny tassels.
• Much smaller and more discreet—reddish-green and tucked close to the stems.
• Wind is the primary pollinator, though insects may play a secondary role. Fruit production requires proximity to a compatible male plant.
  

While not showy in the traditional garden sense, these flowers mark the quiet start of the Yangmei's season and hint at the fruit to come.

Fruits:

The real star of the show, Myrica rubra fruits are a highly prized delicacy in East Asia, ripening in late spring to early summer (typically May to June, depending on climate).

• The fruit resembles a small lychee or oversized raspberry, measuring 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Each berry is round to slightly flattened, with a distinctive bumpy, bead-like surface texture. The skin ranges in color from deep crimson to dark purple-black when fully ripe.
• Inside, the juicy flesh clings tightly to a single seed. The flavor is complex—sweet-tart, slightly floral, and faintly resinous, like a cross between a cranberry, cherry, and pomegranate with a hint of bayberry spice. The flavor deepens as the fruit darkens.
  
  The fruit is often eaten fresh, but it is also dried, fermented, juiced, or preserved in traditional East Asian cuisine.
• Rich in antioxidants (especially anthocyanins), Vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory compounds, Yangmei is considered a functional food in China. Modern studies have explored its anti-cancer, cardio-protective, and anti-diabetic properties.
• While beloved by humans, the fruit is also attractive to birds and other wildlife. Timely harvest is recommended to prevent loss to your feathered neighbors.

Site Selection

• USDA Zones 8–10 (marginal in 7b with protection)
• Full sun to part shade (minimum 6 hours of direct sun for fruiting)
• Well-draining, acidic soil is essential (pH between 4.5–5.5 preferred)
• Yangmei does not tolerate soggy soil. Avoid low-lying areas or clay soils. Raised beds or berms may help in heavier soils.

Watering

• Water deeply and consistently during the first 1–2 years while the root system establishes.
• After establishment, reduce watering; Yangmei is moderately drought-tolerant once mature.
• Avoid overwatering, especially in heavy soils.

Fertilization: Yangmei is sensitive to over-fertilization and salt buildup.