SILVER SPRITE™ northern bayberry is characterized by a dense, compact, broad-oval habit and attractive gray-green foliage. The small gray fruit, best seen after the foliage has dropped, is typical of the species, and are consumed by a number of native birds. Bayberries are dioecious, with male or female flowers on separate plants; this cultivar is the female clone.

This shrub is a Chicagoland Grows® selection. Chicagoland Grows® is a plant introduction partnership of the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Morton Arboretum and the Ornamental Growers Association of Northern Illinois formed to promote plant cultivars that perform well in northern Illinois. This variety was selected by the Morton Arboretum.