Maryland Native Shrubs
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus – Coralberry
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus, also called Coralberry, is a native dense suckering deciduous shrub in the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. Growing to 2 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide with graceful arching stems. It is commonly found in forests or natural areas of bottomland woods of eastern and central USA. This easy to grow shrub will do well in average well-drained soils of various types. Coralberry prefers full to partial sun, moist to dry conditions and loamy or rocky soil. While the leaves are an attractive bright green, the greenish white flowers are not showy. The flowers attract bees, wasps, and flies primarily. These insects suck nectar from the flowers, although some of the bees also collect pollen. Flowers are followed by attractive pink-purple fruits.
Coralberry is colonial and it needs more than one genetic strain to fruit. Host plant for several showy moths including the Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and Sulphur Moth (Hesperumia sulphuraria). Snowberry Clearwing (Hemaris diffinis) and Hesperumia sulphuraria (Sulphur Moth).If spreading is not desired then remove the underground stems (rhizomes). This is a great shrub for naturalized areas or an informal shrub border. Use this native it as a groundcover and plant it on a slope for erosion control. Its dense branching growth provides cover and the flowers and fruits provide food attracting a wide variety of wildlife. Its unique shredded bark provides winter interest in the landscape.
Common Name: Coralberry
(Information from North Carolina Extension & Illinois Wildflowers)
