Coralberry

(Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, commonly known as Coralberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the understory of forests, thickets, and woodland edges, as well as open prairies in the Eastern United States and Northeastern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) and is known for its arching branches and dense foliage. Coralberry produces small, bell-shaped, greenish-white flowers tinged with purple in the summer, followed by showy clusters of rounded, pink to purple fruits that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds. The leaves are oval-shaped, with a blue-green hue, and arranged oppositely along the branches.

Coralberry is valued for its ability to form dense thickets, making it useful for erosion control and as a low-maintenance ground cover in shaded areas. It is also planted for wildlife habitat restoration and in naturalized areas. This shrub is adaptable to a range of soil conditions but prefers moist, well-drained soils. It can tolerate full sun to part shade, with part shade being ideal to prevent leaf scorch in hot climates. While generally pest and disease resistant, Coralberry can be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is also known for its suckering habit, which can be aggressive in some garden settings, requiring occasional management to keep it in bounds.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 2-5 feet
  • Width: 4-8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Understory of forests, thickets, and woodland edges, as well as open prairies in the Eastern United States and Northeastern Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Indian Currant , Buckbrush , Round Snowberry , Korallenbeere , Symphorine À Baies-De-Corail , Groseillier Des Indiens , Symphorine Orbiculaire , Symphorine À Baies De Corail , Symphorine À Feuilles Rondes , Koraalbes , Petersbuske

Scientific Names: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus , Symphoricarpos symphoricarpos , Symphoricarpos vulgaris , Symphoricarpos orbicularis , Lonicera symphoricarpos , Symphoricarpos orbiculatus f. variegatus , Symphoria glomerata , Symphoricarpos spicatus , Symphoricarpos orbiculatus f. leucocarpus , Symphoria conglomerata

GBIF Accepted Name: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Moench