Pigeonberry

Rivina humilis

Characteristics

Culture

Pigeonberry – a Texas Native –  is an absolute favorite ground cover for shade. It flowers and fruits almost continuously throughout the growing season, a quality which is quite rare. Very few plants flower and produce fruit at the same time, or even produce fruit for extended periods, and pigeonberry fruit are a great food source for many different species of birds. It can take full shade, partial shade, and dappled sun, but shouldn’t be planted in super bright or full sun areas. It needs very little care or maintenance once established.  During its first year, you should water pigeonberry once a week or so if your area is not getting any rainfall, but once established, you’ll only need to water sparingly, if at all. During times of heavy drought, even if you don’t water pigeonberry at all, it will simply go dormant and reemerge once rain comes or water is given.  When it comes to garden utility players, native pigeonberry is among the best. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

Birds love the shiny berries spring until frost. (The berries and leaves are slightly toxic to humans.) Each day birds will feast on the tiny red orbs. It’s by no means a water hog, but looks best with some moisture during a long, hot and dry spell. Otherwise, it will go dormant during a drought. Pigeonberry is a re-seeder, but not the overzealous type. It gives just the right amount of volunteers without wearing out its welcome.

Problems

None noted.

Garden Uses

Ground cover. Border. Containers. Native plant or woodland garden.