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Pyrola elliptica
Pyrola elliptica Nutt.
Waxflower Shinleaf, Shinleaf
Pyrolaceae (Shinleaf Family)
Synonym(s): Pyrola compacta
USDA Symbol: pyel
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Greenish-white, waxy, fragrant flowers are in an elongated cluster on a stalk that rises above evergreen basal leaves. The nodding, white flowers of Shinleaf occur on a 6-12 in. stalk and each has five petals; a long, curved style; and ten stamens with yellow anthers. Each stalk bears 3-21 flowers. The thick, basal, evergreen leaves are broadly oval and cluster in a rosette at ground level.
One of the most common of several species of Pyrola. Round-leaved Pyrola (P. americana), has leathery, roundish leaves. The Pyrolas yield a drug closely related to aspirin; the leaves have been used on bruises and wounds to reduce pain. Such a leaf plaster has been referred to as a shin plaster, which accounts for the common name of this plant.
Many authorities show this genus to now belong in the Ericaceae family.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 1 foot tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Bloom Notes: White to greenish white.
Distribution
USA: AZ , CT , DC , DE , IA , ID , IL , IN , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MT , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NY , OH , PA , RI , SD , VA , VT , WI , WV , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Habitat: Dry or moist woods.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Moist or dryish, humus-rich, acid soil.
Conditions Comments: Difficult to establish but one of the few eastern woodland plants to flower in midsummer in deep shade. Good ground cover.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: The Pyrolas contain a drug closely related to aspirin; the leaves have been used on bruises and wounds to reduce pain. Such a leaf plaster has been referred to as a shin plaster, which accounts for the common name of this plant. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Description: Propagate by root cuttings or runner divisions stuck in acid peat. If young plants are containerized, they can be brought inside in Feb. or Mar. to hasten growth. Liberal additions of compost, adjusted to the proper acidity with peat or pine needles, aiCommercially Avail: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | UPL | UPL | UPL | UPL | FACU | FACU | UPL |
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 Pyrola elliptica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Pyrola elliptica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pyrola elliptica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-05-03Research By: TWC Staff