Overview
Pyrola spp. is a genus of about 30 species of low evergreen perennials in the heath family (Ericaceae), native to cool temperate, boreal, and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants form a basal rosette of leathery, rounded leaves 0.6–3 inches (1.5–8 cm) long and send up a leafless flowering stalk 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) tall. Flowers are nodding, cup- to bell-shaped, 0.2–0.5 inch (5–12 mm) across, white, greenish-white, or pink, arranged in a loose spike of 5–25 blooms. A long, curved style projects from each flower, a trait shared across the genus. Plants spread slowly by thin rhizomes to form patches. Roots associate with soil fungi, and most species draw part of their carbon from this partnership, which makes them hard to transplant or cultivate. Foliage stays green through winter. P. rotundifolia and P. minor are widespread, while several North American species occupy conifer forest floors.
Native Range
Native across the Northern Hemisphere, circumboreal through North America, Europe, and Asia, and reaching the Arctic. Grows on the floor of coniferous and mixed forests, in bogs, and on tundra, in cool, moist, humus-rich and acidic soils from sea level to about 11,000 feet (3,400 m).Suggested Uses
Grown rarely, and then only in woodland and native-plant gardens with established mycorrhizal soil, spaced 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) apart. Most plantings are restoration or conservation efforts rather than ornamental beds. The fungal dependence limits use to undisturbed shaded ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in early to midsummer, generally June to August depending on latitude and elevation, with later bloom in northern and alpine sites. The flowering spike opens from the base upward over 2–4 weeks, and individual flowers last about 1 week. Cool, shaded forest conditions lengthen the display.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, greenish-white, to pinkFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 3 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