In-Depth Description
Gaultheria procumbens, commonly called wintergreen, is a creeping, woody, evergreen groundcover of the heath family native to woodlands in Eastern North America. Plants spread over time to form an attractive groundcover. Waxy, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers bloom in early summer (June-July) giving way to edible bright red berries that persist through winter. Leaves and fruit have the aroma and taste of wintergreen. Foliage was once used to make oil of wintergreen which has astringent stimulant and diuretic properties. Wintergreen has been a popular flavoring for chewing gum, candies and toothpaste.
