partridgeberry

Description:

Partridgeberry (botanical name Mitchella repens) is an evergreen vine that usually grows up to a maximum length of one foot having a white color trailing stem. Being an excellent hugger, this herb takes the shape of mats while growing. The flowers of partridgeberry are white in color and more often than not appear in pairs. The fruits are undersized, scarlet color berries.

Habitat:

Partridgeberry is native to the central and eastern regions of North America and may be found growing in wild in the vast expanse extending from south-western Newfoundland to Minnesota and towards the south to Florida and Texas. This herb is found growing on its own in arid or damp woodlands and forests as well as sandy slopes and the length of stream banks in these regions. Partridgeberry is an evergreen, low growing and trailing perennial herb that has a preference for shady or partially shady locations.

Notes:

A favorite food of deer, the berries are nearly gone from the plants by November. The whole herb was used by native american women in a tea to ease childbirth.