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pigeonberry
Scientific Name: Hirtella triandra
Family: Chrysobalanaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Tree, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Pigeonberry: A Versatile Groundcover
Pigeonberry, also known as Rouge Plant, Coralito, or Baby Peppers, is a charming plant often appreciated as a groundcover, particularly in shady areas.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions "blackish-red berries" which might be attractive to pets.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions "red berries" which might be attractive to children.
Common and Scientific Names
- Common Names: Pigeonberry, Rouge Plant, Coralito, Baby Peppers, Bloodberry
- Scientific Name: Rivina humilis
It's important to note that "Pigeonberry" is a common name that can refer to several different plants, including Amelanchier alnifolia, Duranta erecta, Phytolacca americana, and Cornus alternifolia. This page focuses specifically on Rivina humilis.
Other pigeonberries may refer to Golden Dew Drop, Brazilian Sky Flower, Sky Flower (Duranta erecta)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- The text refers to Rivina humilis L.
Distribution and Habitat
- Rivina humilis is native to the Blackland Prairie and Edwards Plateau regions.
- It is often found growing beneath trees and shrubs.
- It thrives in shady areas.
- It is considered native to Central Texas.
- The plant is also found on various soils in brushy pastures, mottes, and bottom woods (usually in shade) in the Rio Grande Plains.
Ecological Role
- While appreciated as a groundcover in some regions, Rivina humilis is considered an invasive species in Australia, China, South Africa, and several Pacific Islands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Pigeonberry is a perennial herb that typically grows to about 1 foot tall, but can reach six feet in height.
- It is a low-growing groundcover.
- It produces small white to pink flowers, about 1/4 inch across, in spikes of tiny pale pink to pinkish-white flower clusters 3 to 6 inches long.
- The flowers bloom from spring into fall.
- It bears bright red berries.
- The plant offers many different colors all season. It has upright white bloomheads in late Summer and bright red berries in the Fall.
- It has bright green leaves.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Pigeonberry is deer resistant.
- It is a nice companion plant to mountain sage in native-plant gardens.
Resources and Further Information
- Dave's Garden
- Native American Seed
- Plant Delights Nursery
- Sally Wasowski's books on native Texas gardening