Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn
Mitchella repens L.
Partridgeberry, Twinberry, Running box
Rubiaceae (Madder Family)
A trailing,
evergreen herb with white, fragrant, tubular flowers in pairs. Partridgeberry is a creeping,
perennial herb, no taller than 2 in. high. All parts are dainty, including its pairs of small, rounded,
evergreen leaves; tiny, trumpet-shaped, pinkish-white flowers; and scarlet berries.
A most attractive woodland creeper with highly ornamental foliage, it can be used as a groundcover under acid-loving shrubs and in terraria in the winter. The common name implies that the scarlet fruits are relished by partridges, and they are consumed by a variety of birds and mammals. Indian women drank a tea made from the leaves as an aid in childbirth.
Image Gallery:
11 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Evergreen Leaf Complexity: Simple Size Notes: 1 to 2 inches high
Leaf: Dark green
Flower: Flowers 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch
Fruit: Red, occasionally white 1/4 to 1/2 inch
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Bloom Notes: Blooms appear in pairs.
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , IA , KY , LA , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MS , MO , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VT , VA , WV , WI , DC
Canada: NB ,
NS ,
ON ,
PE ,
QC Native Distribution: N.S. to FL, w. to MN, s.e. MO & e. TX. Eastern North America, Zones 4 to 8
Native Habitat: Dry or moist woods; stream banks; sandy slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Humus-rich, acidic soil. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Acid-based
Conditions Comments: This is a good ground cover for shady, undisturbed locations. It is sensitive to disturbance and needs to be kept moist unless it is in soil rich enough and a location shady enough that it can retain adequate moisture. If it begins to wilt from drought stress, water within two days or it will start to die.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A low-growing,
evergreen groundcover for rich, woodland soils in eastern North America
Use Wildlife: Fruit consumed by Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, turkeys, skunks, and White-footed Mice
Use Medicinal: Indian women drank a tea made from the leaves as an aid in childbirth. (Niering)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
2009-03-08
