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.

In the wild, the fruit and foliage is consumed by deer, foxes, chipmunks, and large and small birds. The flowers are pollinated by various species of bees.