Quailberry
Crossopetalum ilicifolium
Quailberry, also known as Christmasberry, is native to parts of the Keys and the Miami Rocklands. It is a low shrub of only six inches that does well throughout Palm Beach County.
Quailberry will grow into a two foot diameter mat of tiny green leaves and has bright red berries almost all year. The leaves have sharp lobes which make them look like a holly leaf.
Full sun is required, although partial shade will do. Birds eat the berries which are mildly sweet and edible. This is not a holly, but a member of the Bittersweet family. The low height and slow growth rate make this a superb groundcover.
The soil should be rich with fertilizer and organic matter to produce the most beautiful plants. We lay down a rubbery, easy to replace, weed cloth and cut a hole to place the plant in. Mulch was added last. Once established, it is very drought tolerant and will survive in nutrient poor soil, yet not look its best.
Use quailberry in a rock garden along with Lignum Vitae, Beach Creeper, Longstalk Stopper, Thatch Palms, Coontie, Chapman’s Cassia, Joewood, Rhacoma, Twinflower, Havana Scullcap and Locustberry.