Audubon® Native Coralberry

Coralberry gets its name from its clusters of small crimson-purple fruits that hang on well into winter. They show up nicely in the landscape, and catch the eye of songbirds looking for a meal—robins are especially fond of them. This plant suckers freely and forms a fibrous network of roots that binds the soil and prevents erosion. Use it on a slope or in a large empty space that needs filling in with some greenery. Also valuable as a host plant for a variety of butterflies and moths, including the fascinating and adorable hummingbird clearwing and Snowberry clearwing moths.

The hummingbird clearwing and the Snowberry clearwing are two entertaining moths you’ll want to have in your garden. They feed from flowers by day, hovering like tiny drones as they pause at each blossom. Coralberry is one of the primary host plants for their caterpillars. Another bizarre insect that feeds on Coralberry is the Harris’s three-spot moth. Perhaps our ugliest caterpillar, it looks like a bit of garbage in its youth. When it molts, this weirdo saves its head casings and carries them around on a tuft of hair. Eventually, the ugly duckling turns into a beautifully patterned moth!

Coralberry’s magenta fruits make perky additions to fall and winter flower arrangements. Cut a few branches and liven up your indoor displays with its jewel-tone berries.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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