Prickly Heath

Did you know

• The showy berries that follow the flowers come in white, pink, red, purple, and magenta, making it one of the most colorful fruiting shrubs.
• Despite being ornamental, the berries are mildly toxic and can cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
• The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants, and both are needed for berry production.
• It was previously known as Pernettya mucronata and is still sold under that name in many nurseries.
• In Patagonia, the dense thorny thickets provide critical shelter for small birds and mammals during harsh winters.

Color meanings

Uses

• ornamental garden plantings
• winter interest
• hedging
• container gardens