Description
Mitchella repens
CT DR P
Soil: Acidic, Well-drained
Moisture: Average to Moist
Light: Part Sun to Shade
Plant Height: to 2 inches
Plant Width: to 12 inches
Pests: None
Landscape Value: Great for woodland/shade gardens, under acid-loving trees and shrubs, in partly shaded areas of borders and rock gardens, on sandy slopes and along streambanks. Best grown to cover small areas as plants are not aggressive.
A trailing, evergreen, woody ground cover with pairs of glossy, dark green leaves with whitish veins. Pairs of fragrant, white, tubular flowers bloom in spring, followed by bright red berries that ripen in late summer and persist through winter. A single berry is produced for each pair of flowers, as the ovaries of the twin flowers fuse together. Pollinated primarily by bumblebees. Berries attract small mammals and game birds, including wild turkeys, grouse and bobwhites. Berries are edible, but not very tasty. Forms colonies in optimal growing conditions. Tolerates heavy shade and some drought, but best with consistent moisture.
1 quart pot
Photo credits:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (photos by R.W. Smith, Sally & Andy Wasowski)
