Mitchella repens
Partridge Berry
Please register or login to build your personal plant list.Colonies of Partridge Berry produce a groundcover of evergreen leaves on organically-rich sandy soil.
Description:
Two petite, slightly fragrant, white flowers bloom simultaneously from short stems growing between a pair of leaves, May-July. Flowers are followed by berries that ripen to red in late summer. Both flowers together can produce a single berry. Colonies of Partridge Berry produce a groundcover of evergreen leaves on organically-rich sandy soil. Usually growing no more than 2-3 inches tall, the plants spread through underground rhizomes. Partridge Berry can be difficult to cultivate, initially. Plant with the intention to cover only small patches in woodland gardens, shady gardens, as an undercanopy beneath trees, as low vegetative cover in front of borders, rock gardens and near wet areas such as sandy, but organically rich stream banks or pond edges.
Wildlife Value: Visited by small native bees who benefit from the nectar. Birds eat the berries.
Plant Details:
Other Common Names: Twin Berry
Plant Type: Flower, Perennial
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Late Spring to Early Summer
Bloom Colors: White
Deer Resistance: Some
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Bees and Other Pollinators, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Unknown
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Organic, Sandy
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic, Slightly Acidic, Neutral
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Partial Shade
Light Range: Partial Shade, Shade
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Size and Growth Rate
Height: .25 - .50 ft
Spread: .25 - .50 ft
Growth Rate: Slow-medium