Partridgeberry is an evergreen, woody, herbaceous perennial that is a low growing, creeping delicate vine in the Rubiaceae (madder) family. It is found naturally in forests, stream-banks, on rotten logs, and in bottomlands and other wet habitats throughout eastern and central North America .

The stems run along the ground in a vine-like fashion often carpeting an area. The leaves are opposite with a smooth margin and white central vein. White, sometimes pinkish, flowers mature in summer. The sprawling herb produces a shiny, red berry with a tiny dimple and star-shaped marks.

This evergreen ground cover displays interesting foliage, flowers, and fruit. Plant in woodland/shade gardens, under trees and in part shade areas of border fronts and rock gardens. Also effective around small ponds. Many gardeners believe this ground cover is not appropriately aggressive for large areas and is best grown in smaller sites.