Native Plant Database

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Chimaphila maculata (Spotted wintergreen)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Chimaphila maculata (L.) Pursh

Spotted Wintergreen, Striped prince's pine

Pyrolaceae (Wintergreen Family)

USDA Symbol: CHMA3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Nodding, fragrant, waxy, white or pinkish flowers are in small clusters at the top of a stem with whorled, evergreen leaves, mottled with white.

This is a conspicuous plant in both winter and summer because of its white and green mottled leaves. It appears to increase both vegetatively and by seedling reproduction following light wildfires. A slightly taller relative, Pipsissewa (C. umbellata), has shiny, dark green leaves that lack the mottling. The genus name is from the Greek cheima (winter) and philein (to love).

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Subshrub
Fruit Type: Capsule

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AL , AZ , CT , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MS , NH , NJ , NY , NC , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VT , VA , WV , DC
Canada: ON , QC
Native Distribution: Southern Ontario to southern New Hampshire; south to Georgia; west to Alabama, Tennessee, northeastern Illinois, and Michigan.
Native Habitat: Dry woods.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy
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Mr. Smarty Plants says

Question: We live on a lake with gravelly and clay soils, lots of wind and little sun. I am looking for a native ground cover that will help reduce erosion over some of the steep slopes facing south (under shade trees)
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Question: Hi! I'm pulling up juniper bushes. (just don't like it) I'm getting down to the roots now on one side and I'm having a hard time getting them up. Any recommendations. They are near my driveway and sidewalk so I don't think I can pull them up. Also, what should I plant in its place that won't require much watering and is an evergreen? Something low to the ground..not huge bushes since we have those all around the house. I thought we could use a variety and then some color in some areas for as long as we can. Basically, I need a low maintence flower bed area that will attract some interest under a crate myrtle and something other than the green bushes that are everywhere else. And of course I need to know how to get that juniper up! Sorry that was more than one question but I think you can handle it! Thanks!!
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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Chimaphila maculata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Chimaphila maculata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Chimaphila maculata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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