Mitchella repens, or partridgeberry is new for 2026.
We had a request for this plant, and I was frustrated at the time that I wasn’t having a lot of success keeping it growing after germination. I decided to give it another go and things are looking good!
Partridgeberry is at home in moist, rich soil. It can form an impressive carpet on the forest floor, and it is a diminutive 3-6” in height. It has dark green, oval leaves with a light stripe down the center. The red berries pop in contrast to the green foliage and often last through the winter, providing food for small animals.
This plant is found in all kinds of forests around the state. It is unique in that a pair of flowers bloom together and once pollinated, they merge to form one fruit. A close examination of the first photo shows two small circles that are evidence of each of two ovaries. More photos coming soon!
This plant is not aggressive and can be difficult to establish. Try it in a rock garden where it will not have competition from other plants.
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Partridgeberry
Height: 3-6”
Bloom time: April-June
Soil: medium, sand, loam, rocky
Sun: dappled light to shade
Plant spacing: 6”
Flower: white
Life cycle: perennial
Family: Rubiaceae
Seed source: Michigan
Sizes:
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Mitchella repens, or partridgeberry is new for 2026.
We had a request for this plant, and I was frustrated at the time that I wasn’t having a lot of success keeping it growing after germination. I decided to give it another go and things are looking good!
Partridgeberry is at home in moist, rich soil. It can form an impressive carpet on the forest floor, and it is a diminutive 3-6” in height. It has dark green, oval leaves with a light stripe down the center. The red berries pop in contrast to the green foliage and often last through the winter, providing food for small animals.
This plant is found in all kinds of forests around the state. It is unique in that a pair of flowers bloom together and once pollinated, they merge to form one fruit. A close examination of the first photo shows two small circles that are evidence of each of two ovaries. More photos coming soon!
This plant is not aggressive and can be difficult to establish. Try it in a rock garden where it will not have competition from other plants.
Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
Michigan Flora reference page for state distribution: Partridgeberry
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