Native Plant of the Week - Wintergreen

Welcome back and a Happy New Year to all!

Between yesterday and today temps, it really feels like winter, so I thought this week's plant, Gaultheria procumbens - Wintergreen was appropriate choice. Wintergreen is a low, evergreen shrub with red edible berries. It forms a creeping mound about 6-12" in height, and spreads 2-3' wide. Flowers form between May-August and the blooms are white to pink in color, and the red berries set in July and last until April. While Wintergreen is evergreen, the aromatic foliage can turn reddish as the weather cools in Fall. Wintergreen likes part-shade to full shade and prefers moist soil. Need a native, evergreen groundcover for a shady situation? Wintergreen fits the bill! Plus it provides food for songbirds and wildlife during those tough winter months.