Hobblebush
(𝑽𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒖𝒎 𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒔)
Conservation Status: No current status rank in Maine
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library/Flickr
Facts: The Hobblebush grows in rich forest soils from Nova Scotia and Ontario, and as far south as Tennessee. Here on the Carson Trail, the bush is more prevalent at higher elevations along the Merriland River. The hobblebush is the first shrub to bloom in the spring, with its flat, star-shaped, white flowers standing out from the bright oval heart-shaped leaves. They have bright, red berry clusters which are a feast for foraging birds, squirrels and chipmunks. In the fall, its leaves turn copper or purple, sometimes all on the same plant!
Fun Fact: Ever wonder where some plants get their names? Well, the hobblebush is named because the asymmetrical branches take root where they touch the ground, restricting or hobbling passersby.