Coralberry
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
Also listed as Lonicera symphoricarpos, Symphoricarpos parviflorus
Also known as Buck Brush, Indian-currant
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub prized for its small coral-red or purple berries that persist through winter on bare branches. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it makes an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and difficult sites.
Why grow it
Coralberry distinguishes itself from other Symphoricarpos species through its notably smaller, more densely clustered berries and refined branching habit, making it useful where more delicate winter interest is desired. It tolerates poor soils, drought, and shade better than many ornamental shrubs, and its persistent fruit provides reliable late-season food for birds when other sources are scarce. The species is particularly valuable in difficult sites where few alternatives succeed, rather than as a specimen shrub.
Watch out for
This shrub tends to spread by underground rhizomes and can become leggy in heavy shade, requiring periodic cutting back to maintain density. Mature plants may need thinning or rejuvenation pruning every few years to prevent an overly open structure. In ideal growing conditions it can spread more vigorously than anticipated, so site it with room to expand or plan for occasional management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub prized for its small coral-red or purple berries that persist through winter on bare branches. Hardy and drought-tolerant, it makes an excellent choice for wildlife gardens and difficult sites.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Coralberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Coralberry distinguishes itself from other Symphoricarpos species through its notably smaller, more densely clustered berries and refined branching habit, making it useful where more delicate winter interest is desired. It tolerates poor soils, drought, and shade better than many ornamental shrubs, and its persistent fruit provides reliable late-season food for birds when other sources are scarce. The species is particularly valuable in difficult sites where few alternatives succeed, rather than as a specimen shrub.
Watch out for
This shrub tends to spread by underground rhizomes and can become leggy in heavy shade, requiring periodic cutting back to maintain density. Mature plants may need thinning or rejuvenation pruning every few years to prevent an overly open structure. In ideal growing conditions it can spread more vigorously than anticipated, so site it with room to expand or plan for occasional management.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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