Also known as 'Buckbursh, Coralberry or Indian Currant'
Height: 2-5 feet with arching stems-spreads by runners
Full sun to part shade
Flowers in spring (insignificant), Berries in fall (outstanding)
This native deciduous shrub can be found in almost every state east of Colorado. Because of its low growing-thicket forming nature, it's useful as a wildlife shelter in areas with little woody vegetation. I forget that this shrub is all over my property until the winter when its small purplish-red fruits appear. The berries must not be that appetizing to wildlife because they persist on the plant for most of winter. It eventually does serve as an emergency wildlife food later in the season--perhaps because other food sources have been depleted or because it takes several freezes to soften the fruit to make it more palatable. I'm not sure why it's not a sought after plant to add to the native garden, perhaps because it has a reputation among farmers as a "brush weed" in pastures... Personally, it's one of my favorite native shrubs--especially during the winter...
For more photos of winter interest, visit the sites: May Dreams Gardens, and Tootsie Time and Friday's Photo Blog Hop...
Beautiful photo.
ReplyDeleteMarit , Norway.
It is beautiful in photos, i wish it is more palatable for wildlife too!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog!!!! Found you on Fertilizer Fri. I am now yur follower! 8^)
ReplyDeletePopping over from Holly's blog hop to say hello. I think that bush has probably received so much bad press that it has put people off from growing it. It certainly looks as if it has impressive berries and a lovely seasonal colour too.
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to see a burst of color in winter. Beautiful images!
ReplyDeleteI really like coral berry and wanted to add it to my garden but didn't have room. Poo! LOVE your chickens! They would kick my dogs butts in a heartbeat. :o)
ReplyDeleteHow pretty! We have some of this growing in our fencerow, and I never knew what it was. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog through Toostie Fertilizer Friday. I am your newest follower. I hope you will stop by and follow along with me too. I love the color of that berry. It looks like it would dry well and be lovely to decorate with. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThe top photo is gorgeous. Never thought barbed wire could look so cool.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of this under appreciated plant. What its berries lack in food value for birds and other wildlife, it more than makes up for at other times of the year. Though inconspicuous to us, in spring its tiny flowers attract a wide variety of pollinators. Also, Coralberry is a "Snowberry" and the primary host plant for Snowberry Clearwing Moths in many more southern latitudes.
ReplyDeleteSymphoricarpos on Wikipedia
Snowberry Clearwing Moths on BugGuide
What a beautiful color to have during the winter!
ReplyDeleteHappy Garden Bloggers Bloom Day!
Lea
This berry on the bush is just beautiful
ReplyDeleteand as you said, it must look wonderful
during the winter... I've never seen it.
Great shots.
Sandy
Great plant to showcase! What a pretty color the berries are. I'll have to be on the look out for this shrub. Happy GBBD!
ReplyDeleteYour coralberry is wonderful! I tried them early in my garden experience and they didn't perform well at all for me... yours are beautiful... Larry
ReplyDeleteNice winter color interest. Happy GBBD.
ReplyDelete