Mitchella repens
Mitchella repens partridge-berry


Creeping, evergreen mostly herbaceous vine (stem & twigs are partially woody) with tubular white flowers growing in pairs, later forming one red berry-like fruit with two 'eyes'. Fruits of partridge-berry remain on the plant in fall and winter making it a food source for wildlife when other foods are not available. The plant grows abundantly in forests and woody areas.
Habitat & Range
Grows in the forests and is shade-tolerant. Prefers well-drained soil.
Present throughout the state.
Range: From Newfoundland to Minnesota, and south to Florida and eastern Texas.
EMP: | FACU |
---|---|
NCNE: | FACU |
Phenology
Flowers May to October.
Characteristics
Flowers white, 1/4 inch wide with 4 to 5 fringed petals; borne in pairs at end of branches
Leaves round, shiny, with white markings; opposite
Fruits red, berry-like, formed from twin flowers
Plant Codes
S-rank: No rank
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Medicinal Qualities
Partridge-berry plants contain tannin and are traditionally used as an astringent. Native Americans used it to treat medical ailments and as an aid in childbirth.
Faunal Associations
Berries are an occasional food source for some game birds such as ruffed grouse and turkies as well as mammals such as foxes, racoons, and deer.