Consider-the-Lilies Web Gallery
Partridgeberry
If it had not been for the fuzzy white double blossoms, I would have walked right by this curious native vine.
A prostrate ground-cover, it threads its delicate tendrils through the leaf litter, forming a loose mat that, as in this instance, is almost inconspicuous.
Thus, although common throughout the eastern forests of North America, this low-growing vine may not be widely appreciated.
And it is indeed worthy of a closer look.
Although perhaps not apparent, these double blooms
originate from one calyx node.
And what is even more interesting, the twin ovaries are joined together and will often ripen into a single
red berry, which according to some makes a delicious jelly.
Native Americans and settlers also prized a decoction of the leaves as a treatment for arthritis.
I came across these twin beauties before the berries had formed. Watch this space after June of 2009* for some images of the berry of the Partridgeberry!
(* I missed getting back in time in 2008; my darling Becky and I were busy preparing to celebrate our 50th anniversary. Next year, the Lord willing!)
Also known as Squawberry and Two-eyed Berry, this unusual vine was given the botanical prefix, Mitchella after the 17th century botanist and physician, John Mitchell, who first described this native perennial.
The botanic Latin suffix, repens, refers to its creeping or spreading habit.
Go to the Main Directory to consider more lilies of the field.