Common names: coralberry, buckbrush, Indian currant coralberry, Indian currant

Scientific names: Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (S. spicatus, S. vulgaris)

Seasons of significant use: summer, fall, winter

Characteristics: Native, perennial, warm season shrub to 6.0 feet but mostly to about 3.0 feet in our region. Often forms large colonies via rhizomes. Stems erect, older bark exfoliating; leaves opposite, simple, with short petioles, almost orbicular; inflorescences are short, densely flowered, axillary spikes; fruit is a berrylike drupe, coral-pink to purple, 2-seeded with white nutlets, persistent throughout winter, ripening September-October. Flowers April-August.

Plant community type: Found throughout open and wooded areas. This plant is shade tolerant, but the thicker stands are generally found where there is at least moderate sunight penetration.

More Plant Photos and Descriptions:
Appendix C: Plants by Common Name
Appendix C: Plants by Scientific Name
Appendix C: Plants Listed by Family