obscurum—ground pine—Christmas trees in miniature about six inches tall and popping up from stems that creep about underground.
CARE. Rich, woodsy soil, not especially acid. Shade, moist.
PROPAGATION. Cuttings. Division of roots at joints.
SPECIAL USES. Terrariums, ground cover.
Mitchella repens Rubiaceae Partridgeberry
This native creeper bears the popular partridgeberries widely used to fill “Partridge Bowls” at Christmastime. It has glassy green leaves which are close to the ground with the berries beneath them. In the springtime it has fragrant, fuzzy white flowers. (Note to those who hunt the berries in the woods: pick from the tallest plants and do not tear up the roots.)
CARE. Rich woodsy soil, not especially acid. Drainage. Shade. Cut back to encourage branching. Transplants easily.
PROPAGATION. Divide rooting stems.
SPECIAL USES. Rock gardens, terrariums, woodland gardens.
Mitella Saxifragaceae Bishop’s Cap