Squawvine
Mitchella repens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Mitchella repens is a native evergreen groundcover vine found across eastern North America from Maine to Florida and west to Minnesota and Texas. This woodland plant produces small white flowers in June and July followed by bright red berries.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
2"–6" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, CT, FL, IL and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, moths
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Squawvine is a delicate native groundcover that forms dense, low-growing mats of small, glossy evergreen leaves. It produces tiny white flowers in summer followed by bright red berries that persist into winter, creating year-round interest.
Growing Squawvine
Grow Squawvine in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 2 to 6 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Squawvine is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract small bees and moths during summer blooming period. The persistent red berries provide food for birds and small wildlife through fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where does Mitchella repens naturally grow?
- Mitchella repens is native to eastern North America, found in 24 states from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas.
- When does Squawvine bloom?
- Mitchella repens typically blooms in June and July, producing small white tubular flowers that are followed by bright red berries that persist through winter.
- What pollinators visit Squawvine flowers?
- The small white flowers of Mitchella repens attract bees and moths as primary pollinators during the summer blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Mitchella repens prefer?
- Squawvine thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture levels, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and naturalized areas under trees.
- Is Squawvine HOA-friendly?
- Squawvine is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Squawvine? 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