Mitchella repens

Mitchella repens partridge-berry

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants

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.

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.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers May to October.

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

S-rank:  No rank
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

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.

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.

Mitchella repens partridge-berry

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Mitchella repens gallery
Plant Life-Form
evergreen forb