Habitat: Rocky open woodlands, barrens, and exposed outcrops at middle to high elevations, shrub balds, bogs, fens, seeps, seepage swamps, and montane depression ponds; occasionally in upland forests; occurs on both acidic sedimentary and mafic outcrops. Frequent in the mountains; infrequent in the piedmont; infrequent to rare in the coastal Plain. It is both strange and noteworthy that most populations of this species in Virginia occur either in xeric, rocky habitats or in wetlands, spanning the full range of substrate chemistry in both.
Mounding shrub up to 6 feet tall and wide (smaller cultivars are available). Beautiful white flowers in May and long-lasting black berries in the fall. Tolerates most soil conditions including compaction, some salt, some flooding, even pruning. Red-purple fall foliage. Suckering. Can form large colonies. Tough.
Wildlife Value: Fruits attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Edibility: Fruits are edible but quite astringent, hence the common names, so make into jams or jellies.
Earth Sangha Inventory
Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.
| Pots Available | Plugs Available | Location | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 0 | Row 11 | View My Wishlist |
Carniola Farms Nursery
Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date
| In Stock? | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | View My Wishlist |
Bona Terra Nursery
Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date
| Pots Available | Pot Size | Notes | Add to Wishlist | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 3 Gallon | View My Wishlist |