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Native Plant Society of Texas

David's Milkberry

Chiococca alba

Other common name(s):

Snowberry, West Indian Milkberry, Cahinca, West Indian Snowberry, Milkberry

Family:

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

5
to
6
ft.

Spread

5
to
6
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Long blooming. Both salt and drought tolerant. Makes a good groundcover. Can be grown in container gardens. Needs support to climb. Native habitat: thickets, chaparral, palm groves, brush country, forests and coastal areas. Propagation: seed, softwood cuttings.

Comments

Blooms February-September. Scrambling, vine-like shrub. Characterized by its evergreen leaves, small, bell-shaped yellow to creamy white flowers, and white, drupe-like fruits. Larval host: Miami Blue.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Chiococca racemosa, Lonicera alba

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them moist until germination. https://earthone.io/plant/chiococca%20alba
Stem Cutting Dip the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in a moist soil mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until roots develop. fter approximately 4-6 weeks, check for new growth. The presence of fresh leaves is a sign of successful rooting. Gradually acclimate the new plants to their permanent location by removing the plastic wrap or dome for increasing durations of time. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the new Snowberry plants into larger pots or directly into your garden. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems from the current season’s growth. Cut 4-6 inch long sections just below a node, which is the point where leaves or branches emerge. 1) https://earthone.io/plant/chiococca%20alba 2) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-chiococca-alba/
Stem Layering Choose a healthy branch that you can easily bend down. Remove a section of bark along the branch, leaving about 1-2 inches bare. Apply rooting hormone: Lightly dust the exposed area with rooting hormone. Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and secure it with a plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep the moss moist, but not waterlogged. Roots will eventually develop within the moss. Once the new growth is evident, carefully sever the layered branch and plant it in a pot or garden. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-chiococca-alba/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason