Gaultheria procumbens, commonly called Wintergreen, is a creeping, woody, evergreen groundcover of the Heath family. In the wild, it grows in hardwood forests throughout Eastern North America. It is found throughout Maryland, including the Eastern Shore.

Wintergreen grows to only about 6″ in height. Its short, erect stems are covered in glossy, aromatic, dark green leaves, which may turn purple in the Fall. White, bell-shaped flowers bloom in June and July, and eventually form bright red berries which persist through winter. The berries are edible, with a sweet, subtle, minty taste, often used as a flavoring for gum and toothpaste. Though slow-growing, Wintergreen spreads 1′-3′ feet via rhizomes. Given time they form a dense carpet of greenery that makes an excellent, weed-suppressing groundcover.

Plant Wintergreens in evenly moist, acidic, well-drained soils. Mature plants can handle drier conditions. They thrive in part shade to full shade, but do not tolerate full sun. Plant them in shady rock gardens, woodland gardens, or along shady foundations. For greatest effect as a groundcover, plant multiple plants 10″-14″ apart.

Wintergreen with flowers

Wintergreen with berry

Wintergreen as a groundcover

Wildlife Benefits

Wintergreen is an important Winter food source for mammals such deer, red fox, black bear, chipmunks, and squirrels. Birds also eat the berries, including grouse, bobwhites, turkeys, sparrows, and cedar waxwings.

Although not considered a host plant, the larvae of the Tortricid Moth (Rhopobota naevana) has been known to eat Wintergreen leaves. The flowers attract bees, which are the primary pollinator of Wintergreen.

Tortricid Moth (Rhopobota naevana)

Cedar Waxwings eat the berries of Wintergreen

Wintergreen berries are a favorite of Bobwhite Quail