Mitchella repens (Fr: pain-de-perdrix | En: partridgeberry)

Partridgeberry

Mitchella repens
Alternative names: Twinberry
French: Pain-de-perdrix

Partridgeberry is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover in the coffee family, native to eastern North America. Also known as “twinberry,” it gets its name from the plant’s two white flowers, which fuse into a single red berry with two dimples—a charming and unique feature.

This plant has shiny, attractive foliage that remains green year-round and spreads slowly along the forest floor, making it an ideal native replacement for invasive groundcovers like periwinkle. It is especially well-suited for shady gardens, woodland borders, or under mature trees.

Mitchella repens is often planted alongside wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), as both species share a preference for acidic soils and contain methyl salicylate, the compound responsible for the distinctive wintergreen aroma. Together, they create a beautiful and aromatic evergreen carpet.

Height: ~5 cm
Bloom time: May to July
Light: Shade to part shade
Moisture: Moderate
Soil: Acidic, well-drained, rich in organic matter
Habitat: Shady forests, mossy slopes, under evergreens
Ecological benefits: Evergreen cover, native alternative to invasive species
Edible: Berries are edible but bland; roots contain wintergreen oil (use with caution)