Wintergreen, Tayberry

​Common Name:  wintergreen, teaberry
Botanical Name:  Gaultheria procumbens
Form:   low and spreading
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Gaultheria
Species: procumbens
Plant Type:  broadleaf evergreen groundcover
Origin:  North America
Hardiness Zone:  3 to 8
Growth: slow
Size: 4” to 6” x 10” to 12”
Foliage: evergreen, leathery, simple, elliptic, glossy deep green, turns purple to red in fall and bronze in winter, crushed foliage has wintergreen fragrance
Flowers:  June, July, 8–10 mm (0.31–0.39 in), whitish pink, pendulous funnel-shaped at leaf axils, 1 to 3 per stem
Fruit: aromatic red berries, 6–9 mm (0.24–0.35 in) wide fleshy calyx that contains a dry capsule bearing seeds, edible with wintergreen flavour
Stems: leaves alternate
Exposure:  shade to part sun
Soil:  semi-moist, acidic, humus rich
Uses:  groundcover, massing, native garden, woodland margin, wildlife, containers
Propagation:  spreads by shallow, underground rhizomes, seeds, divide in early spring
​Problems: rust, but it’s just cosmetic and rare, dislikes drought
Cultivars: numerous ones available including Peppermint Pearl that bears white berries that mature to pink.
Comments: An attractive and popular native North American indigenous evergreen groundcover. The red fragrant berries contain methyl salicylate, which is known as ‘oil of wintergreen’ as well as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).  There’s over 100 types of wintergreens and their medicinal qualities have been used by indigenous peoples wherever they are found. Only minute amounts are needed as it is poisonous if used in large quantities. It’s used to treat rheumatism, headaches and is used to prevent tooth decay. It’s found in many dental products including toothpaste for its medicinal qualities and fresh minty flavour. Animals also appreciate its flavour. Both berries and foliage are eaten by chipmunks, grouse, pheasants, wild turkeys, bears and deer. Bees love the pollen and it makes excellent honey. Wintergreen has few pests and diseases, probably due to its fungicidal and bacterial properties.