Edible Plants of the World

Creeping Box, Partridge Berry, Twin berry, Squaw-vine

It is a temperate plant. It does best in rich soil. It is best with neutral or acid soil. They are native to acid pine forests in North America. It fruit better in full sun but can grow in light shade. It is not very tolerant of seaside conditions. It is very cold hardy tolerating temperatures to -20°C. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.

Edible Portion

Where does Creeping Box grow?

Found in: Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, Guatemala, Japan, North America, United States

Notes: There are 2 Mitchella species. They grow in temperate places.

Status: The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Growing Creeping Box, Partridge Berry, Twin berry, Squaw-vine

Cultivation: Plants can be grown from rooted sections of the stem or from seed. Fresh seed need to have the pulp removed. Stored seed need 3 months of cold before planting. Plants should be spaced 30 cm apart. Layering or cuttings can be used.

Edible Uses: The ripe fruit can be eaten raw. They are also used for desserts and jams. They can be dried for future us. The leaves can be used for tea. Caution: The leaves should not be used during early pregnancy as they can cause contraction of the uterus.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part Energy (kcal) Protein (g) Iron (mg) Vitamin A (ug) Vitamin c (mg) Zinc (mg) % Water
- - - - - -

References

Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994)

Brickell, C. (Ed.), 1999, The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. Convent Garden Books. p 678

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 900

Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 212

Fisk, J. R. & Hoover, E., 2015, Wild Fruits of Minnesota. A Field Guide. University of Minnesota p 26

Glowinski, L., 1999, The Complete Book of Fruit Growing in Australia. Lothian. p 181

Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 415

Jackes, D. A., Edible Forest Gardens

Lyle, S., 2006, Discovering fruit and nuts. Land Links. p 286

MacKinnon, A., et al, 2009, Edible & Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine. p 186

Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 345

Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Sp. pl. 1:111. 1753

www.wildediblefood.com