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Article: Autumn Jewels; Shrubs Bearing Berries From Brilliant Red to Blue
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- November 2, 1995
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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Sparkling on the tips of branches, ornamental berries are stand-
ins for flowers through the long months of late fall and winter.
Berries attract birds, which peck at them and make the whole crop
disappear eventually, usually just a few weeks before the earliest
plants of the new year, such as winter aconites and witch hazels,
surprise us with their blooms.
When a branch with a cluster of berries is cut off and brought
indoors, its cheery colors light up the dreariest November day.
One of the best plants for such a purpose is the thorny evergreen
shrub pyracantha, also known as firethorn. This is a favorite with
birds, particularly robins. The modest flowers appear in mid- spring
and the ...