Mitchella repens
partridgeberry, twinberry, running box, pigeon plum, two-eyed berry
Family
Rubiaceae
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
orbicular, ovate
Growth Form
forb, shrub
Flower Color
pink, purple, white, yellow
Flower Petals
4
Flower Month
May - October
Height (meters)
0.1 - 0.3
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Evergreen
Wetland Class
FACU
Field Characters
Blooms appear in pairs.
Animal Use
The common name implies that the scarlet fruits are relished by partridges, and they are consumed by a variety of birds and mammals. Fruit consumed by ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail, turkeys, skunks, and white-footed mice. Deer eat the foliage.
Habitat
Dry or moist deciduous woods, stream banks, and sandy slopes.
Plant Uses
Indian women drank a tea made from the leaves as an aid in childbirth. (Niering)