Gaultheria procumbens/Wintergreen (Heath Family)

Wintergreen, also known as Teaberry, is a highly attractive, evergreen groundcover for shade. Like most members of the heath family, it prefers soils on the acidic side. Amend soil with peat moss, or an acid fertilizer like powdered sulfur. Large red berries are the main attraction of this plant, but the red tint the leaves take in the fall is a close second. Plant in part shade up to deep shade in average or organically rich understory soil. Growth is rather slow, but will form a nice colony over time.

Blooms: Pink/white, 3-4 weeks, June-Aug
Leaves: Glossy green, evergreen, nice maroon color in fall
Height: 4-8”
Space: 12-18”
Soil: Acidic, average, dry, moist
Exposure:  Part shade-Full shade
Fauna: Bees, small flies, berries for animals, groundcover habitat
Seeds:  Numerous, large, red berries are very attractive to people and animals
Deer Resistance: High
Zone: 3-7
Native Status: NC native, common in the Mountains, uncommon in the Piedmont, and Sandhills
Provenance: Unknown, asexually produced