Wintergreen, Tayberry
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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. 
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