Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen - Winter Foliage

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Also called Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry

  • 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

ZONE:
4

COLOUR:
White

HEIGHT:
10-15 cm

SPREAD:
20-30 cm

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Growing and Maintenance Tips:


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. 

Additional Notes about Wintergreen:


  • 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.