Alternate name: Indian Currant

Family: Caprifoliaceae, Honeysuckle view all from this family

Description This small, mound-shaped, deciduous shrub, usually grows to 4 ft. but can reach 6 ft. Its smooth, dull green leaves are opposite and oval. The greenish-white flower clusters are not as showy as the clusters of coral-pink to purple berries which remain on the plant through winter. Coralberry forms extensive colonies.

Habitat Dry forests; savannas; old fields; alluvial woods.

Range Pennsylvania to s. Wisconsin and s.e. Nebraska, south to South Carolina, n. Alabama, Louisiana, and e. Texas; naturalized northeastward.

Discussion Songbirds, ground birds, small mammals, and browsers use this plant for food, cover, and nesting sites.

Comments If coralberry gets tall and thin, cut it back after it's lost its leaves in the winter to promote bushiness. Very short-lived.

Exposure Preference Partial sun.

Native Distribution Pennsylvania to s. Wisconsin & s.e. Nebraska, s. to South Carolina, n. Alabama, Louisiana & e. Texas; naturalized northeastward

Site Preference Dry forests; savannas; old fields; alluvial woods

Soil Preference Well-drained sand, loam or clay. pH 5.5-8.5.

Wildlife Value Songbirds, gamebirds, small mammals and browsers use this plant for food, cover, and nesting sites.