About Pourthiaea beauverdiana (C.K.Schneid.) Hatus.
Pourthiaea beauverdiana reaches a height of 6.1 to 9.1 meters (20 to 30 feet). It is known for its striking red-orange foliage coloration and showy red berries. It blooms between April and May, and can tolerate temperatures as low as −23 °C (−9 °F). Its leaves are serrate, and shaped from elliptical to ovate, with leaf tips ranging from acute to caudate. It produces small, cup-shaped, orbicular white flowers, and develops red fruits that contain up to four seeds each. This species, commonly called Christmas berry, grows in mountainside or woodland habitats. It grows well in conditions from full sun to partial shade. As the amount of shade it receives increases, the plant becomes more susceptible to the leaf spot disease caused by Entomosporium maculatum, and also produces fewer flowers. It grows best in soils with medium moisture levels, and is resistant to drought, deer, and rabbits.
