Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen - GAULTHERIA procumbens

Native. Zone 3-8. F. Shade-P.Shade. Perennial.

Also called the eastern teaberry, wintergreen is native to eastern North America from Canada to Alabama. The leaves and branches make a fine herbal tea, through normal drying and infusion process. For the leaves to yield significant amounts of their essential oil, they need to be fermented for at least three days. Excellent ground cover for shady areas. Woodland gardens, rock gardens, foundations or native plant areas. Plants complement other acid-loving shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, kalmias and blueberries. Wintergreen has been a popular flavoring for chewing gum, candies and toothpaste.