How to Grow Faya Tree
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Faya Tree
Myrica faya
treeFaya tree is a fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing evergreen tree native to the Azores and Canary Islands. It produces clusters of small, fragrant flowers followed by waxy red berries that attract wildlife. This pioneer species is highly valued in permaculture and agroforestry for its ability to enrich soil through symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules.
When should you plant Faya Tree in your zone?
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Example Faya Tree timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Faya Tree
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Faya Tree
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Faya Tree dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11, prefers warm, temperate to subtropical climates
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Get my Faya Tree timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-6 monthsYoung plant with simple opposite leaves, tender green stems, establishing root system with nodulating bacteria
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bright light; protect from frost if in zone 8b; avoid disturbance to developing nitrogen-fixing nodules
Establishment
6-12 monthsPlant develops stronger stems, deeper root system, and fuller foliage; leaves darken and become more waxy
Reduce watering frequency as roots establish; apply mulch around base to conserve moisture; light pruning to encourage branching; monitor for nitrogen-fixing efficiency
Vegetative Growth
1-2 yearsRapid height and branch development; dense, evergreen foliage with leathery, glossy leaves
Minimal fertilizer needed; prune to shape or control size; maintain mulch layer; drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods
Flowering
Several months (may be continuous)Small, fragrant yellowish-white or reddish flower clusters appear at branch tips; may flower year-round in warm climates
Minimal intervention needed; flowering indicates nitrogen-fixing capability is active; avoid heavy pruning during bloom to preserve flowers
Fruiting & Maturity
Ongoing once matureWaxy red berries (drupes) develop in clusters, maturing to dark red or burgundy; persistent on tree; tree reaches 20-35 feet tall
Allow berries to remain for wildlife food and seed production; prune only to remove dead wood or control size; established trees need minimal care; harvest seeds from berries if propagating
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; prune heavily infested branches; encourage natural predators
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Strong water spray to dislodge; yellow sticky traps; neem oil in severe cases
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Horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; manual removal; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Improve soil drainage; reduce watering frequency; remove affected wood
Uses
Nitrogen Fixation & Soil Amendment
AgriculturalMyrica faya enters symbiotic relationships with Frankia bacteria in root nodules, converting atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms that enrich soil. This eliminates or significantly reduces nitrogen fertilizer needs for surrounding crops and improves long-term soil health. [source]
Wildlife Food & Habitat
WildlifeProduces abundant waxy berries attractive to birds, particularly frugivorous species, providing winter food. Evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter; flowers provide nectar for pollinators. [source]
Wax Extraction & Candle Making
CraftThe waxy coating on berries (myrtle wax) can be extracted and historically used for candle-making and soap production, producing fragrant, high-quality products. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalLeaves and bark have been used in traditional medicine for respiratory support, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial applications, though scientific validation is limited. [source]
Ornamental Landscape Value
HouseholdFast-growing evergreen with attractive foliage and colorful berries, ideal for screening, windbreaks, or as a focal point in permaculture designs and low-maintenance gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Berries ripen naturally; no harvesting required for nitrogen-fixing benefit. If collecting seeds, harvest ripe red berries in fall, extract seeds, and sow immediately or stratify. Tree self-seeds readily; volunteer seedlings can be transplanted. Prune selectively in late winter if needed; avoid heavy pruning that removes productive growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Faya tree is one of the fastest-growing nitrogen-fixing trees, capable of adding 100+ pounds of nitrogen per acre per year to soil, outcompeting many agricultural crops and making it both valuable and invasive in some ecosystems.
- 🌱 The waxy berries persist on the tree for extended periods, providing reliable food for birds during lean winter months; one tree can produce thousands of berries annually.
- 🌱 In Hawaii and other Pacific regions, Faya tree is considered an invasive species due to its aggressive nitrogen-fixing ability that alters native forest soil chemistry, demonstrating how beneficial plants in one context can become problematic when introduced without ecological consideration.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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