Partridge Berry

(Mitchella repens)

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Mitchella repens, commonly known as Partridge Berry, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to the forest floor of deciduous and mixed woodlands, often found in moist, well-drained soils in shaded areas across Eastern North America, including the Eastern USA and Ontario, but not native to Guatemala. This low-growing plant typically forms a dense carpet with creeping stems 15 to 30 cm long and rarely exceeds 6 cm in height. The small, trumpet-shaped, axillary flowers are white, fragrant, and produced in pairs from late spring to early summer. Each pair shares a common hairy calyx, and the fused ovaries lead to the formation of a single red berry with two eye-like spots, which are remnants of the twin flowers. The berries, which ripen between July and October, are showy and may persist through winter, providing visual interest even in the colder months.

Partridge Berry is valued for its ornamental appeal, particularly the shiny, bright green foliage and contrasting red berries. It is an excellent choice for ground cover in shaded areas, such as woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It can also be used in terrariums and is sometimes harvested for Christmas decorations, though this practice has led to a decline in some wild populations. While the berries are edible, they are not particularly flavorful. For successful cultivation, Partridge Berry requires part shade to full shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained, humus-rich soil. It is rarely grown from seed, as cuttings root easily and are a more efficient propagation method. Gardeners should be aware that while it is not invasive, it can spread to form a dense mat, which may require management in smaller spaces.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
  • Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to the forest floor of deciduous and mixed woodlands in Eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Partridgeberry, Two-Eyed Berry, Running Fox, Squawvine, Partridge-Berry, Squaw Berry, Rapphönsbär, Noon Kie Oo Nah Yeah

Scientific Names: , Mitchella repens, Mitchella repens f. leucocarpa, Mitchella repens var. alba, Disperma repens, Mitchella repens f. repens, Perdicesca repens, Perdicesea repens,

GBIF Accepted Name: Mitchella repens L.