While visiting Carmel, Indiana for Thanksgiving, I went on a hike and noticed this plant. It is commonly called Coralberry, Buckbrush or Indian Currant and is a woody species of flowering plant in the Honeysuckle Family.

This plant has a spectacular display of berries that mature in coincidence with Autumn colors each October. Its coral-pink to almost purplish berries are an attractive ornamental aspect that provides Winter forage for birds.

In addition to birds, Coralberry supports a host of mammals, being a favorite deer browse plant, which inspired its alternative common name of Buckbrush. Although inconspicuous, its spring flowers support bees, wasps and flies with nectar and pollen.

This dense, bushy deciduous shrub has soft downy foliage that makes an attractive leaf pattern. It typically grows 3 to 4 feet tall. It is also a host plant for the caterpillars of three native moths.

Coralberry is native to the eastern and central United States as well as central Canada (Ontario) and northeastern Mexico.

Third Eye Herp
E-mail