Coralberry
Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Open woods, thickets and dry banks.

Eastern N. America - New Jersey and New York to Georgia and Texas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. Scarcely eaten. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the inner bark or leaves has been used as a wash in the treatment of weak, inflamed or sore eyes. A cold decoction of the root bark has been used as an eye wash to treat sore eyes.

Ophthalmic: Treats eye complaints.

Other

Rating:

Plants can be grown as a hedge or informal screen. They are very tolerant of trimming. Plants have an extensive root system and also sucker freely, they can be used for soil stabilization.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Tolerates most soils and conditions, including poor soils and amongst the roots and under the drip of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a well-drained soil. Does well in sun or shade. Tolerates urban pollution and maritime exposure. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c. Plants sucker freely and quickly form thickets. This species does not fruit freely in Britain, except after a hot summer. A good bee plant. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months warm then 5 months cold stratification. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 15 - 25cm long preferably with a heel, in a sheltered bed outdoors in winter. High percentage. Division of suckers in winter. They can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

No report of toxicity has been seen for this species but the fruit of many if not all members of this genus contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce toxic symptoms. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

S. rubra vulgaris. S. vulgaris. Symphora glomerata. Lonicera symphoricarpos.