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Gaultheria procumbens
wintergreen
Eastern North America (Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Georgia)Learn more
Overview
Gaultheria procumbens is a low, mat-forming evergreen groundcover reaching 3–6 inches (8–15 cm) tall, spreading indefinitely by underground rhizomes to form colonies 12–36 inches (30–90 cm) wide per plant over several years. Short upright stems arise from creeping rhizomes, each bearing a cluster of leaves near the tip. Leaves are leathery, oval to elliptic, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long with finely serrated margins and a glossy deep green upper surface; in fall and winter, leaves develop rich burgundy to purple-red tints, particularly in sunnier locations. When any part of the plant is crushed, it releases an intense wintergreen scent (methyl salicylate — the compound that gives commercial wintergreen flavoring its characteristic aroma). In June through August, small, nodding, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long hang beneath the leaf clusters. Flowers are followed by bright red, round berries approximately 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter that persist through winter into the following spring. The berries are edible with a strong wintergreen flavor. The plant spreads slowly; established colonies provide consistent weed suppression. Non-toxic in normal consumption; the concentrated essential oil (methyl salicylate) is toxic in large amounts.
Native Range
Native to eastern North America from Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Georgia and Alabama. Found in acidic woodlands, sandy forest floors, and pine barrens, typically under coniferous or mixed forest in well-drained acidic soils. Not native to the Pacific Northwest but performs well in the region's acidic soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover under acid-loving shrubs (Rhododendron, Kalmia, Pieris) where the low stature allows it to fill the understory. Used in woodland gardens and native plant gardens where the fall wintergreen fragrance and persistent red berries provide extended seasonal interest. Berries provide food for wildlife. Effective in small-scale plantings and containers where the combination of aromatic foliage and winter berries can be appreciated closely. Not suited to neutral or alkaline soils or full sun in hot climates.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3" - 6"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers June through August. Small, nodding, urn-shaped white to pale pink flowers approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) long, produced singly or in small clusters of 2–6 in the leaf axils, hanging beneath the foliage. Bright red round berries approximately 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter follow and persist from fall through winter into spring — the plant's most ornamentally significant feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to pale pink (nodding urn-shaped)Foliage Description
Glossy deep green; burgundy-purple winter tints; oval-elliptic, clustered near stem tipsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Requires moist, well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5); plants decline in neutral to alkaline soils. Amend with peat moss or compost before planting in less acidic soils. Partial shade to full shade is preferred; in the Pacific Northwest's mild climate, the plant tolerates morning sun with afternoon shade. Water weekly for the first two growing seasons; established plants tolerate moderate drought in shade but perform best with consistent moisture. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of acidic mulch (pine bark, pine needles). Do not apply lime or alkaline fertilizers. A slow-release acid-formula fertilizer (azalea/camellia formula) in spring maintains healthy growth.Pruning
No routine pruning required. Remove individual stems with browning foliage at their base. If the mat becomes untidy over time, lightly rake with a wide-tined rake in early spring to remove old dead stems; avoid disrupting the rhizome layer. Do not shear — the plant does not regenerate well from bare stems.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late winter
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing