Pigeonberry
Rivina humilis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Rivina humilis (Pigeonberry) is a native perennial forb found across the southern United States from Arizona to Florida. This drought-tolerant plant produces small white flowers from March through November followed by bright red berries.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–18" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AR, AZ, FL, LA and 3 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Rivina humilis is a compact native perennial that produces small white flowers followed by bright red berries from spring through fall. This low-growing plant works well as groundcover or in naturalized areas, maintaining an informal appearance throughout the growing season.
Growing Pigeonberry
Grow Pigeonberry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 18 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pigeonberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The berries provide food for birds, while the long blooming period offers nectar for small pollinators and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- Where does Rivina humilis naturally grow?
- Pigeonberry is native to Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, typically growing in woodland edges, disturbed areas, and along fence rows.
- When does Pigeonberry bloom?
- Rivina humilis has an extended blooming period from March through November, producing small racemes of tiny white flowers that develop into colorful red berries.
- What growing conditions does Rivina humilis prefer?
- Pigeonberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates drought conditions once established, making it well-suited for xeriscaping and low-maintenance gardens.
- Is Pigeonberry HOA-friendly?
- Pigeonberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
See Pigeonberry in a real native yard
Pigeonberry is one of the natives used in these Patch Vision yard designs. Tap any one to see the before and after.
The after image is a Patch Vision preview. It replants the real yard photo with native plants chosen to fit that yard's ecoregion, sun, and HOA strictness.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Pigeonberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz