Partridgeberry (mitchella repens)

A most attractive evergreen ground cover for shady areas of acidic soil. Glossy dark green leaves contrast with white flowers in early summer and bright red berries later in the season. Berries are edible although not particularly flavorful. The plant, with its long-persisting berries, is often used in terrariums or other decorative planters. Usually grows where there is at least some shade, but partridgeberry plants which we are growing in full sun in a moist, rich soil have developed into compact mats of carpet-like density perhaps 1½” thick. Regular addition of organic matter (such as occurs naturally in forests) may be necessary for best long-term results with this species.