Coralberry - Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Features: This modestly sized shrub grows in oak savannas where it can handle full sun or partial shade and a range of soil, including dry. Its pinkish white spring flowers are not showy, but they do provide nectar, then turn into its namesake fruit. Those stay on the plant all winter to provide food for birds and winter interest, as does its peeling gray and brown bark. It also hosts a fascinating Sphinx moth.

It may have originally been native farther south in Illinois but has been growing here for over a century. It may spread by suckers to form a thicket.

A variety of native bumblebees and other insects gather nectar and pollen from the flowers.

Light: sun to partial shade

Soil: moist to dry

Height: 2 to 4 ft

Width: 3 to 4 ft

Blooms: June to July

Flower color: white/pinkish

Fall color: yellow

Special note: loved by birds

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers and USDA Plant Database

Photos: 1,2 Possibility Place; 3,4,6 Illinois Wildflowers, 5 Missouri Botanic Garden