Coralberry

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Physical Characteristics

Symphoricarpos orbiculatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - New Jersey and New York to Georgia and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Scarcely eaten[177]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. Some caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Medicinal Uses

Ophthalmic A decoction of the inner bark or leaves has been used as a wash in the treatment of weak, inflamed or sore eyes[257]. A cold decoction of the root bark has been used as an eye wash to treat sore eyes[257].

Known Hazards

No report of toxicity has been seen for this species but the fruit of many if not all members of this genus contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also destroyed by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce toxic symptoms[65]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].