THE SHRUBS OF NORTH CAROLINA. 143 



sometimes so much of a nuisance on plantations, on 

 account of its creeping tangled roots, as to have 

 gained the uncouth name of DeviVs shoe-strings. 



Bermuda or French Mulberry. (Callicarpa 

 Americana, Linn.) — Quite common in light soils and 

 dry, open woods of the Lower District, especially 

 along fence-rows and the borders of settlements. It is 

 3 to 6 feet high, with coarse, rough, grayish unsightly 

 leaves, which are 4 to 5 inches long and round- 

 toothed on the edges. But in Winter the numerous 

 clusters of light-purplish berries which encircle the 

 summit of the branches at regular intervals for 12 or 

 18 inches, give it a very striking and pleasing appear- 

 ance. These berries are juicy, slightly aromatic and 

 sweetish, and are sometimes eaten, but are probably 

 not very wholesome. 

 ""^^ Mistletoe. (Phoradendron flavescens, Nutt.) — 

 Well known throughout the State, and needing no 

 description. With us it seems to prefer the Oaks 

 and Locust^ but at the North and West, Elms and 

 Hickories, Deer are very fond of this plant. This 

 is a different plant from the European Mistletoe, the 

 aureus ramus of Virgil. 



1. High Blackberry. (Rubus villosus, Ait.) — 

 This is our common Blackberry of the swamps and 

 fallow lands, 4 to 10 feet high, and the leaves slightly 

 hairy or smooth, and green on both sides. It is 

 found throughout the State. The root of this is 

 slightly astringent, and is a popular remedy for 

 diarrhoea. 



