North Carolina Wildflowers, Shrubs, & Trees

Rubiaceae > Mitchella (Partridgeberry)

Statewide and common in North Carolina in various forested habitats, Partridgeberry is a low, creeping evergreen subshrub or vine.

Flowers appear in spring with fresh, opposite leaves.

Flower petals are quite hairy.

Flowers occur in pairs in the late spring. The flower ovaries fuse, creating a single fruit (berry) that ripens over the summer. Looking closely at the top of the fruit, notice the two depressions that represent the two original flowers.