Partridge Berry

Mitchella repens
A very low, trailing, dense mat-forming, woody, evergreen groundcover, reaching up to 6 ( averaging 3 ) inches in height, that slowly spreads to a maximum width of up to 20 feet over 30 years, though easily contained. Its average width in about 10 years is only 3.3 feet with the stems rooting at the nodes. Partridge Berry is a native of dry acidic woodlands in eastern North America ( from northern Minnesota to Thunder Bay, Ontario to Batchewana, Ontario to Temagami, Ontario to Nova Scotia; south to eastern Texas to central Florida ). There is a report from much further north at Lansdowne House, Ontario. It is endangered in Iowa and Oklahoma. It was moderately common on the Ohio shore during the 1800s but has declined since. Partridge Berry looks especially great along woodland pathways.
The attractive oppositely-arranged, rounded leaves, up to 1.3 x 1 inches, are glossy deep green with white veining.
The fragrant, tiny, pinkish-white, funnel-shaped flowers, up to 0.5 inches in length, are borne paired during late spring.
They are followed by edible, scarlet-red berries, up to 0.3 inches wide, during autumn, persisting through most of the winter.
Hardy zones 2 to 9 in partial to full shade on fertile, neutral to acidic, humus-rich, well drained soil. It thrives best under conifers such as Spruce and Hemlock where leaf little isn't heavy. It is important to removed fallen leaves during autumn as they can easily smother this plant. Propagation is from seed and naturally layered stems. Transplanting should be done during spring before growth begins.

* Robert H. Mohlenbrock @ USDA SCS. 1991. Southern wetland flora

* photo of unknown internet source

* photo taken @ U.S. Botanical Garden, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014

* photos taken on Apr 27 2015 in Western Regional Park, Howard Co., MD

* photo taken on Nov 27 2015 @ Hickory Run State Park, PA

* photo taken on Aug 20 2016 in Olney, MD

* photos taken Aug 2016 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD

* photos taken on Sep 16 2016 @ Patuxent Research Refuge, Laurel, MD

* photo taken on Sep 25 2016 near Reisterstown, MD

* photo taken on June 6 2025 in Columbia, MD

* historic archive photo

Alabama Snow-Wreath

Neviusia alabamensis
An upright but broad, suckering, deciduous shrub, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 10 feet, that is a close relative of Kerria. Some records include: fastest growth rate - 4 feet; largest on record - 8 x 11 feet. This is one of 2 species in the Neviusia genus and it is native to the southeastern U.S. ( central Arkansas to southeast Missouri to the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee; south to central Mississippi to central Alabama to northwest Georgia ) where it is endangered with extinction in the wild.
The alternately-arranged, saw-toothed, ovate leaves are up to 3.5 inches in length. The very attractive foliage is mid-green above, downy beneath. The foliage turns to yellow during autumn.
The very showy, fluffy, white flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne mid to late spring.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun or partial shade on fertile, light, well drained soil. Easy to grow and tolerant of drought though looks better if irrigated deeply once weekly during dry spells. Cut out tired or dead stalks at the base after blooming to tidy appearance and enhance vigor ( similar to pruning of most Spirea ).
Propagation can be achieved from seed, layering ( often occurs naturally in the wild ), cuttings or division.

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 17 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

Neviusia cliftonii ( Shasta Snow-Wreath )
Very similar to the Alabama Snow-Wreath and has a tiny native range in the Mount Shasta region of California. It was originally discovered as recently as 1992.
Hardy zones 6 to 8.

Neviusia dunthornei
Presumed to be extinct but is known from fossils to have occured in the Okanagan Highlands in interior British Columbia and Washington State, mostly on shale deposits.

Roscoea

A genus of perennials that are part of the larger Ginger family. The orchid-like flower are borne on short spikes during summer. These plants go dormant autumn through spring. The bright to mid-green foliage often dies down and goes dormant by late summer if drought occurs. Mulch thickly in colder regions during winter...however the fleshy tuberous roots can also be lifted and stored in a cool, dark basement or garage during winter. They often appear late during spring waiting for some real warm weather to arrive, once they emerge they grow rapidly.
These plants prefer partial shade and woodland conditions. Native to summer monsoon climates, they prefer well drained soil that is moist during summer and not too wet during winter. Older clumps can be divided during early autumn. The rhizomes ahould be gently handled and planted at least 4 inches deep to protect from excessive freeze/thaw. Propagation from seed can be achieved by planting in trays of sand immediately upon ripening then storing in an unheated greenhouse over the winter. They should emerge the following spring.

Roscoea alpina
A perennial, reaching up to 1 foot x 5 inches, with pink to purplish flowers borne late spring into early summer. It is native to high mountains from Pakistan to southwest China.
The clumps of lance-shaped leaves appear late in spring.
It is native from Kashmir to Bhutan in the Himalayas.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 ( 6 on protected sites ) in partial shade.

Roscoea auriculata
A tuberous perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1 foot, that is native to Nepal and India.
The arching, broad lance-shaped leaves are deep green.
The purplish flowers are borne late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. Propagation is form division during early spring.

Roscoea beesiana
A vigorous perennial, reaching up to 1.5 x 1 foot, with yellow flowers that are tipped lilac-purple. It may be a hybrid between Roscoea. auriculata and R. cattleyoides.
The arching lance-shaped leaves are deep green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 in partial shade on moist, fertile, humus-rich, well drained soil. Propagation is form division during early spring.

Roscoea cautleoides
A perennial, reaching up to 2 x 1 foot, with large, pale yellow, hooded flowers during early to mid-summer.
It is native to southwest China.
The sword-shaped leaves are blue-green.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( 5 if planted deep on protected sites with deep winter mulch ) in dappled or partial shade on fertile, peaty, well drained soil. It is hardy through most of the British Isles.

* photo of unknown internet source


'Kew Beauty'
Vigorous, with very large, creamy-yellow flowers borne on a shorter stem.
The leaves are broader than the species.

Roscoea humeana
A perennial, reaching up to 20 inches x 1 foot, bearing large flowers that are violet-purple ( with a yellow throat ) during late spring into early summer. It has the largest leaves of all the Roscoea, up to 2.8 inches wide, forming a clump up to 20 inches high.
Hardy zones 6 to 9

Roscoea purpurea ( Purple Roscoea )
A vigorous perennial, reaching up to 2.5 x 1 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet, bearing large, rich purple flowers, up to 3.2 inches in size, during mid to late summer.
It is native to the Himalayas.
The arching, lance-shaped leaves, up to 10 ( rarely over 6 ) inches in length, are mid-green. It is late to break dormancy often not emerging until early summer, so it is best to plant with earlier spring bulbs such as Crocuses.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( 5 if planted deep on protected sites with deep winter mulch ) in dappled or partial shade on fertile, peaty, well drained soil. It can take sun in cooler climates as long as the roots are shaded and moist.

'Procera'
Vigorous in habit, otherwise similar.

Roscoea thibetica
A slow spreading, long lived, rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 8 inches in height; that is native from India to western China ( Yunnan, Tibet and Sichuan ) as well as Burma.
The leaves form rosettes.
The deep purple flowers are borne on terminal spikes, during mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 6b to 9 in partial shade on consistently moist, well drained soil that is mulched. A rock garden is the ideal spot to try this beauty. The brittle, fleshy roots do not like disturbance including transplanting. Transplanting if necessary should be done in autumn in mild climates, early to mid spring in colder climates. For propagation - collect seed during autumn, store it in a fridge, then plant out during spring.

Roscoea wardii
A slow spreading, long lived, rhizomatous perennial, reaching up to 1 foot in height; that is native from India to western China ( Yunnan and Tibet ) as well as Burma.
The leaves form rosettes.
The deep purple flowers are borne on terminal spikes during early summer.
Hardy zones 6b to 9 in partial shade on consistently moist, well drained soil that is mulched. The brittle, fleshy roots do not like disturbance including transplanting. Transplanting if necessary should be done in autumn in mild climates, early to mid spring in colder climates. For propagation - collect seed during autumn, store it in a fridge, then plant out during spring.

Tansy, Costmary & Painted Daisy

Tanacetum

Tanacetum balsamita ( Costmary )
An invasively rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 3.5+ feet.
The fragrant, oblong leaves are up to 18 x 3.2 ( rarely over 10 ) inches in size.
The foliage is used as a spice to add a spicy touch to salads.
The flowerheads, up to 0.7 inches wide, are borne on domed clusters, during late summer to mid-autumn.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 in full sun to partial shade.

Tanacetum coccineum ( Painted Daisy )
Also called Pyrethrum or Chrysanthemum coccineum. A clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.3 x 2 feet, that is native to the Caucasus and northern Iran in western Asia.
The feathery leaves, up to 10 ( rarely over 6 ) inches, are bright green.
The large, red daisies, up to 4 inches across, are borne during early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, alkaline, light, well drained soil. Cut back hard after flowering. Deadheading encourages continuing bloom.
Divide every 2 or 3 years during early autumn or spring to maintain vigor. It can also be propagated from cuttings or seed.
Pharmacology: due to its insecticidal properties, it makes a great companion plant for plants that are prone to insects.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery

* photo taken on May 25 2018 in Columbia, MD

'Aphrodite'
Double white flowers.

'Avalanche'
White,single flowers.

'Brenda'
Deep reddish-pink ( with white eye ), single flowers.

'Crimson Giant'
Large deep red, single flowers.

'Duro'
Reaches up to 32 inches in height, bearing very large, purple-red flowers, otherwise similar.

'Helen'
Bright pink, double flowers, otherwise identical.

'James Kelway'
Intense, scarlet-red single flowers.

'Poinsettia'
Large, red, double flowers.

'Robinson Rose'
Bright rosy-pink single blooms.

'Robinson Single Hybrids'
Large single blooms ranging from white to pink or scarlet-red.

'Vanessa'
Pink ( gold in center ) double flowers.

'Robinson's Doubles'
Reaches up to 2.5 feet in height, with double flowers of various colors borne all summer long.

'Robinson's Red'
Reaches up to 3 feet in height, with large, single flowers that are red, otherwise similar.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europe's premier plant nursery

Tanacetum haradjanii
A low, carpet-forming perennial, reaching up to 8 x 12 inches, that is native to Turkey. It is a great plant for the rock garden.
The finely-dissected, lacy foliage is intense silvery.
The very small, yellow flowers, up to 0.15 inches across, are borne during late summer.

Tanacetum huronense ( Lake Huron Tansy )
A perennial, reaching up to 1 x 3.5 feet, that is native to the northern Great Lakes as well as Quebec, New Brunswick and northern Maine, mostly along the St Johns and Restigouche Rivers. It is also found around Lake Athabasca in Alberta and slightly within Northwest Territory. It is considered to be endangered in New England. It is found on gravelly shorelines of large rivers and lakes. If often spreads by a creeping rootstock to form wide mats.
The aromatic, ferny foliage is luxuriant mid-green.
The flowers, up to 1 inch across, are golden-yellow.
Hardy zones 2 to 6 in full sun to partial shade.

* USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

Tanacetum macrophyllum
A rapid growing, rhizomatous, clumping perennial, reaching up to 5.5 feet, that is native from southeastern Europe to the Caucasus.
The ferny, divided leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are gray-green.
The large white flowers are borne on domed heads from late summer into autumn.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on just about any well drained soil Propagation is from division or seed..

Tanacetum parthenium ( Feverfew )
A fast growing, bushy, short-lived perennial, reaching up to 4 x 2+ feet in size. It has naturalized locally in North America, especially in southern Ontario, southeastern Quebec and Nova Scotia.
The aromatic, foliage is feathery. The leaves are up to 3.5 x 2.3 inches in size. The leaves are often dried and used for herbal products. Feverfew has been used as a natural remedy for migraines.
The abundant, small, white daisies, up to 0.7 inches across, are borne on branched sprays over a very long period during summer and often persisting into fall.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 ( mulch deeply during winter north of zone 6 ) in full sun on well drained soil. It is propagated from seed and it often self seeds.
Pinch plants back by half at the very end of spring for a more compact habit.

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo of unknown internet source

'Aureum'
Smaller in size, reaching up to 3 x 1.5+ ( rarely over 2 ) feet, with attractive golden-yellow foliage.
The flowers are single and white.

'Double White'
Reaches up to 3 feet in height, with pure white, double flowers.

'Golden Ball'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 1.5 feet in height, with golden-yellow flowers.

'White Stars'
Compact in habit, reaching up to 1.5 feet in height, with white ( yellow centered ) daisies.

Tanacetum vulgare ( Tansy )
A fast growing to invasive, thickly-rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5 x 6 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, that is native to most of Europe though now also found in the wild in North America ( from central Alaska to central Yukon to Fort McMurray, Alberta to Thunder Bay, Ontario to Batchewana, Ontario to Newfoundland; south through most of the U.S ). It is found on abandoned fields and sandy shorelines in the wild.
The attractive pinnate leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are composed of up to 23 deeply double-toothed, ovate to oval leaflets. The foliage is mid-green to deep green.
The showy, golden-yellow flowers, up to 0.5 inches across, are borne on flat clusters during mid-summer to early autumn. Very profuse blooming, up to 200 flowers may appear at a time on a plant.
The flowers are foliage are not edible and should not be eaten as they contain toxic compounds. Tansy is does have its benefits, this plant is highly repulsive to insects. It makes an excellent companion plant for Potatoes as it is so repulsive to the Colorado Potato Beetle that is my nearly eliminate that insect thus eliminate need for toxic insecticides. It can also be used to repel ants and is sometimes planted along home foundations for that reason. Tansy also repels Cucumber Beetles and Squash Bugs, also making it a valuable companion for those plants.
Deer do not eat Tansy.
Hardy zones 2 to 9 in full sun on well drained soil; it is very easy to grow.
Tolerates moderate drought.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photo taken on June 17 2016 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Apr 21 2018 in Columbia, MD

* tansy in Port Dover, ON

* photos taken on June 19 2020 in Columbia, MD

* historic archive photo

* photos taken on Sep 24 2022 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Nov 6 2021 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 8 2023 in Columbia, MD

'Crispum'
A perennial, reaching up to 4 feet with very curly, deeply cut leaves.
The aromatic, fern-like foliage is deep green.
The yellow flowers are borne during summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun.

* photo taken on July 13 2021 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey PA

* photos taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA

'Isla Gold' ( Goldleaf Tansy )
Reaches up to 3 feet with golden-yellow foliage all season.

* photo taken @ Smithsonian Inst, Wash., DC on Aug 25 2014

RELATED PLANTS

Chamaemelum nobile ( Roman Chamomile )
A perennial, reaching up to 1 foot in height. It is often used for filling in between stepping stones and is often allowed to self sow.
The aromatic thread-like foliage is deep green.
The flowers are white.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 on moist, fertile soil.
Pharmacology: the flowers and young foliage are used to make the famous calming Chamomile tea.

* photo of unknown internet source

* photos of unknown internet source

'Flore Pleno'
Double white flowers.