Gauze sponge

Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Wintergreen, is a species of Gaultheria in the family Ericaceae. It is native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland and Labrador south to Alabama and west to Minnesota.

Description

Gaultheria procumbens is a small, low-growing shrub, typically reaching 10–15 cm (4–6 in) tall. The leaves are evergreen, elliptic to ovate, 2–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad. The flowers are bell-shaped, 5–10 mm long, white, usually tinged with pink, produced in summer. The fruit is a small red berry.

Habitat and Distribution

Gaultheria procumbens is found in coniferous forests, where it grows in the shade of trees. It prefers acidic, sandy soils. Its range extends from northeastern North America, from Newfoundland and Labrador south to Alabama and west to Minnesota.

Uses

The leaves of Gaultheria procumbens are used to make a tea, and the berries are edible. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its analgesic properties. It contains methyl salicylate, a compound closely related to aspirin and with similar anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Cultivation

Gaultheria procumbens is cultivated as a ground cover in gardens for its attractive glossy foliage and sweet-scented flowers. It is hardy to USDA zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from October to December.

Conservation

While Gaultheria procumbens is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is being reduced by deforestation and urban development. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its natural habitat and preventing overharvesting for medicinal use.

See Also

• List of Gaultheria species
• Ericaceae
• Methyl salicylate

References

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