Squawvine (Mitchella repens, Sp. Pl.: 111 (1753))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 111 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mitchella

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to Guatemala

Description

Squawvine, known scientifically as Mitchella repens, is an enchanting, low-growing perennial that graces the forest floors of Eastern Canada through to Guatemala. This resilient plant, belonging to the Rubiaceae family, was first cataloged in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work, “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

Mitchella repens is a mat-forming evergreen that typically grows no more than a few inches above the ground. Its trailing, often reddish stems weave an intricate tapestry, blanketing the terrain in a lush carpet of vibrant green foliage. The paired leaves are oval, glossy, and small, creating a delicate yet resilient framework. These intricate leaves are deeply veined, lending an ornamental quality to the ground cover, even when the plant is not in bloom.

The Squawvine earns its common name partly due to its historical use by Native American women, who utilized it for various medicinal purposes, especially related to childbirth. It has a storied past as an important part of indigenous herbal medicine traditions.

In the late spring to early summer, Squawvine is adorned with dainty, fragrant white flowers that grow in pairs. Each flower, though small, is a perfect example of botanical elegance, boasting four fused petals that form a tubular shape. Following the flowering period, the plant produces bright red berries which persist into winter, offering food to various wildlife and a splash of color to the forest understory in the colder months.

Mitchella repens favors shady, moist woodlands, thriving in acidic soils rich with organic matter. In garden settings, it is appreciated for its ground-covering abilities, making it an excellent choice for shaded areas where grass struggles to grow. Squawvine is not only valued for its visual and ecological contributions but also for its ability to prevent soil erosion with its extensive root system.

The existence of Mitchella repens across a broad geographical range from Canada to Guatemala speaks to its adaptability and resilience. It serves as a shining example of botanical beauty, utility, and historical significance, making it a plant worthy of appreciation and conservation efforts.

Common Names

Eng: partridge-berry, partridgeberry, squawvine, running box, two-eyed berry
Swe: rapphönsbär
Fra: pain-de-perdrix, mitchella rampant, mitchelle rampante
En: Squawvine, Partridge-berry, Partridgeberry, Partridge Berry, Running box, Two-eyed berry
Fr: Pain-de-perdrix, Mitchella rampant, Mitchelle rampante
Hu: Valódi fogolybogyó
Fa: میتچلا رپنز
Sv: Rapphönsbär

Synonyms

• Perdicesea repens ((L.) Prov.)
• Mitchella repens var. alba (Beal)
• Mitchella repens f. leucocarpa (Bissell)
• Disperma repens (J.F.Gmel.)
• Perdicesca repens ((L.) Prov.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Florida (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Louise Lacroix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2019 by Berger Johann (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Bill Pfeiffer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Louise Lacroix (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by ubToronto (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Oct 3, 2020 by kelsey cloonan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2022 by Roland K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2021 by peekthruthaveil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 19, 2021 by Bill Pfeiffer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2020 by Tanya Fedor (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 22, 2013 by EOL − Jennifer Clevinger (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 25, 2013 by EOL − Jesse Lincoln (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 24, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 17, 2013 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 1, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 2, 2020 by Clara Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by Marilyse Goulet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Ethan Winter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2021 by Friedman Gerald (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by Jordan West (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 8, 2015 by EOL − yasingi (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 15, 2015 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 5, 2014 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 23, 2013 by EOL − Ron Payne (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Oct 9, 2021 by shayne shayne brookes (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5338762)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:280970-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mitchella repens L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth