Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

3 Dec

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 2m

Hardiness: 2b, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Caprifoliaceae

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a deciduous shrub with a bushy habit. Its dark green leaves are ovate with entire margins, up to 3.5cm long and 2cm broad. Its white/ pale pink flowers appear along its stems in axillary clusters. Its pink/ purple fruit are round drupes, up to 6mm across, appear after the flowers, are borne in clusters and are retained on the plant through the winter months. Its roots produce suckers which aids its spread.

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus Berries (16/11/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, commonly known as the Coral Berry, Buckbush or Indian Currant, is native to east USA and Canada. In its native habitat it grows in woodlands, woodland edges and pastures.

The etymological root of the binomial name Symphoricarpos is derived from the Greek symploke meaning ‘interweaving’, ‘interlacing’ or ‘connection’ and karpos meaning ‘fruit’, referring to its fruits appearing in clusters. Orbiculatus is from the Latin meaning ‘circular’.

The landscape architect may find Symphoricarpos orbiculatus useful as a low maintenance ground cover shrub and looks fantastic when planted en mass. Due to its suckering root system it may be used to stabilize banks and slopes. It may be used as an informal hedge. It may also be used in dry woodland situations. Once established this shrub is drought tolerant. This shrub is tolerant of pollution. It is not attractive to deer.

Ecologically, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its berries are attractive to some bird species.