Patridgeberry (Mitchella repens)

Height: up to 4 inches
Spread: 6-12 inches, spreading
Bloom Time: May-July
Trailing stems with evergreen leaves spread slowly over time. Small 4-petaled white or pinkish flowers bloom in pairs at the end of stems. Later, red berries appear. Deer Resistant

The Illinois Wildflowers website explains the uses of this plant nicely: “Some upland gamebirds feed on the fruits of this vine, including such species as the Ruffed Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Wild Turkey, and the now extinct Passenger Pigeon (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Bennetts, 1900; Schorger, 1955). Mammals that feed on the fruits include the Red Fox, Eastern Skunk, Eastern Chipmunk, White-Footed Mouse, and Woodland Deer Mouse (Martin et al., 1951/1961; Hamilton, 1941). These animals spread the seeds of the berries to new locations.” www.illinoiswildflowers.info