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Kutcher, Daniel
Gaultheria procumbens
Gaultheria procumbens L.
Eastern Teaberry, Wintergreen, Checkerberry
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: GAPR2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N), SPM (N)
A low, woody ground cover, wintergreen is grown for its evergreen foliage, flowers and fruits. Two to six inch branches arise from creeping, underground stems and bear 1-2 in. long, oval, shiny, dark green leaves which turn reddish with the advent of cold weather. The creeping stem of this low, evergreen shrub has upright branches with white, bell-shaped, nodding flowers, solitary or in groups of 2 or 3 in the leaf axils. Aromatic red fruits follow the flowers.
The genus was named for Dr. Gaultier, a Canadian physician of the mid-18th century.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 6 inches tall.
Leaf: Dark Green
Fruit: Red
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , PinkBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AL , CT , DC , DE , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to Man., s. to New England, GA & AL mts., WI & MN
Native Habitat: Conifer or oak woods & clearings; bogs
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Very variable.
Conditions Comments: Quite tolerant of shade but grows and flowers best is sunny openings with light shade during midday.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Chipmunks, grouse, mice, birds and deer eat the leaves during winter.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Fragrant Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Description: Protrate stems are rooted at practically all intervals along their length. These natural ground layer sections are easily removed and transplanted. Make cuttings in the early summer before the stems/runners become woody. Plant in a sand/peat mixture, store through the winter at near-freezing temperatures.Seed Collection: Collect the fruit in the fall.
Seed Treatment: Moist stratify for 1-2 months.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
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National Wetland Indicator Status
| Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
| Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Mt. Cuba Center - Hockessin, DE
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Gaultheria procumbens in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Gaultheria procumbens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Gaultheria procumbens
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-10Research By: TWC Staff