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Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen (Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry)
A creeping carpet of evergreen, dark green leaves and small, soft pink to white flowers followed by bright red fruit. Leaves will produce a strong, wintergreen scent when crushed.
- » Small waxy soft pink to white bell-shaped flowers
- » Red berries develop in early autumn and last through the winter
- » Aromatic evergreen dark green foliage
- » Foliage turns tones of burgundy and purple in the fall
- » Spreads only about 10 cm annually by rhizomes
- » Leaves produce a strong wintergreen scent when crushed
- » Wintergreen oil is used as an anti-inflammatory medication
- » Bloom Time: Spring and late summer
Plug32
$13.83
10cm Potted
$16.28
- Category:Perennials
- Hardiness Zone:4
- Height:10-15 cm
- Spread:20-30 cm
- Bloom Color: White
Growth Rate
| • | Slow |
Attributes
| • | Native to Ontario |
| • | Berries |
| • | Edible |
| • | Evergreen |
| • | Fall Color |
| • | Fragrant |
| • | Low Maintenance |
Planting instructions
| • | Container Plants |
Additional Information about Gaultheria procumbens
- Native to Ontario
- First discovered by Native Americans, the leaves and berries produce the oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate). This oil is a source for treating headache, colds, stomachaches, increasing energy and breathing. Its oil can be applied to relieve muscle aches, arthritis, and rheumatism.
- Wintergreen has also been a popular flavouring for chewing gum, candies and toothpaste.
- Procumbens means "lying on the ground" and refers to the creeping nature of the plant.
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Gaultheria procumbens
Wintergreen is best grown in a consistently moist, organic, acidic soil with good drainage, in partial to full shade. Established plants can tolerate drier soils.