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 Devil's 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. 



