Also known as 'Christmasberry', they are hardy and drought tolerant which make them great plants for places that have nutrient poor soils. This Florida Native plant has bright red berries that many birds love. Their spreading habit along with their holly-like leaves, make them a great ground cover.
How to care for Quailberry
Light. Grows in full sun to part sun.
Water. Water while it establishes. After that it needs no extra water and survives very long dry spells. It does not like wet soil.
Soil and feeding. Thrives in well-drained limestone or sandy soil with a high pH, including poor, rocky ground. It needs little feeding.
Size. A slow-growing, spreading groundcover about 1 ft tall and wider than tall.
Good to know. A Florida native of South Florida pine rocklands, listed as threatened in Florida. It flowers and bears red fruit all year, and quail and other birds eat the fruit. It works well in a limestone rock garden. It has little tolerance for salty wind or salt spray.
Sources: Florida Native Plant Society Plant Database: Crossopetalum ilicifolium · Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Crossopetalum ilicifolium
