Indian Snowberry, Indian Currant, Coralberry
Kingdom: Plantae; Division: Tracheophyta; Class: Magnoliopsida; Order: Dipsacales; Family: Caprifoliaceae; Genus: Symphoricarpos; Species: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus · Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family) · Simple; Deciduous
Species
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (High confidence)
Leaf Type
Simple; Deciduous
Family
Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
Shape
Ovate to broadly elliptical; sometimes orbicular (round)
Size
Approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long; 0.5 to 1 inch wide. This is consistent with the typical species range of 0.75-1.5 inches.
Margin
Entire (smooth) and slightly wavy (undulate); occasionally with a few irregular teeth on vigorous shoots.
Arrangement
Opposite (paired along the stem); notable short petioles of about 2-4mm.
Rarity
Very Common; frequently used in erosion control and as an ornamental shrub in gardens.
Color & Pattern
Dull dark green upper surface; paler, grayish-green lower surface. Lacks variegation. In autumn, turns yellowish, greenish-purple, or reddish-brown.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate; secondary veins are somewhat prominent on the lower surface and arch toward the leaf tip.
Texture & Surface
Smooth (glabrous) to slightly dull upper surface; lower surface is typically finely pubescent (hairy) and soft to the touch.
Description
A low-growing, arching deciduous shrub that typically reaches 2-5 feet in height. It is best known for its dense clusters of coral-pink to purple berries that persist through winter. The stems are slender and brown with shreddy bark on older branches. Small, bell-shaped, greenish-white or pinkish flowers appear in summer.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement; small, dull green ovate leaves; slender reddish-brown twigs; and the characteristic clusters of persistent, purple-pink berry-like drupes at the leaf axils.
Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, thickets, and limestone barrens. Tolerates a wide range of soils from clay to rocky ground; prefers partial sun to shade.
Geographic Range
Native to the Eastern, Central, and Southern United States (New York to Florida, west to Texas and South Dakota); also parts of Mexico. Widely naturalized and used in landscaping.
Condition Notes
The specimen appears to be in Good condition. It is a mature branch showing typical leaf morphology. Some evidence of drying is present, which is typical for herbarium samples or pressed specimens.
Interesting Facts
The fruit is technically a drupe and stays on the plant long after the leaves have fallen, providing a unique winter splash of color. It is often called 'buckbrush' by farmers because deer frequently browse it.
Medicinal & Uses
Used primarily in landscaping for erosion control and shade gardens. Native Americans traditionally used a decoction of the inner bark or roots as an eye wash for soreness or inflammation.
Ecological Role
Provides critical winter food for various birds (robins, grosbeaks) and small mammals when other food sources are scarce. It also serves as a larval host for several sphinx moths.
Similar Species
Symphoricarpos albus (Common Snowberry) has larger white berries; Lonicera species (Honeysuckles) usually have larger leaves and different fruit structures.
Foraging Tips
Look for low-growing, dense thickets in woodland edges during autumn or winter when the bright coral-colored berries make identification effortless.
Toxicity Warning
The berries contain saponins and are considered Mildly Toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities, potentially causing vomiting or diarrhea. Non-toxic to most wildlife.