Partridgeberry
Mitchella repens
Also listed as Disperma repens, Perdicesca repens
Also known as Twinberry, Turkeyberry, Running Box
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover with dainty pink or white flowers followed by bright red berries that persist through winter. Excellent for woodland gardens and shaded areas.
Why grow it
Partridgeberry is a compact, native groundcover option for densely shaded woodland conditions where many other berry-producing species struggle. Unlike taller shade-tolerant groundcovers, it combines ornamental flowering with persistent winter fruit on a prostrate habit (typically under 6 inches), making it useful for erosion control on slopes and as an understory layer beneath deciduous trees. The fruit provides winter interest and wildlife value without requiring aggressive pruning or management.
Watch out for
Partridgeberry prefers consistently moist, well-draining acidic soil and can decline in compacted or waterlogged conditions. Establishment is typically slow during the first year, and the plant may be slow to fill in large areas compared to more vigorous groundcovers. It performs best in northern regions and humid climates, as it may struggle during extended drought or in hot, dry microclimates even in shade.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rubiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with dainty pink or white flowers followed by bright red berries that persist through winter. Excellent for woodland gardens and shaded areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Partridgeberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Partridgeberry is a compact, native groundcover option for densely shaded woodland conditions where many other berry-producing species struggle. Unlike taller shade-tolerant groundcovers, it combines ornamental flowering with persistent winter fruit on a prostrate habit (typically under 6 inches), making it useful for erosion control on slopes and as an understory layer beneath deciduous trees. The fruit provides winter interest and wildlife value without requiring aggressive pruning or management.
Watch out for
Partridgeberry prefers consistently moist, well-draining acidic soil and can decline in compacted or waterlogged conditions. Establishment is typically slow during the first year, and the plant may be slow to fill in large areas compared to more vigorous groundcovers. It performs best in northern regions and humid climates, as it may struggle during extended drought or in hot, dry microclimates even in shade.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rubiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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