Mayflower, Trailing arbutus, Ground Laurel

Epigaea repens

Physical Characteristics

Epigaea repens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Florida and west to Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Flowers - raw. Fragrant, with a spicy slightly acid flavour[105], they are eaten as a wayside nibble or are added to salads[183]. Thirst quenching[177].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diuretic Tonic Urinary Mayflower is rarely used medicinally, even in folk medicine, though it is a strong urinary antiseptic and is one of the most effective remedies for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, bladder stones and particularly acute catarrhal cystitis[268]. The leaves are astringent, diuretic and tonic[46, 61]. An infusion is made from the dried leaves, or a tincture from the fresh leaves[4]. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney disorders, stomach aches, bladder disorders etc[222]. It is of special value when the urine contains blood or pus[4]. Use with caution, the plant contains arbutin and, although this is an effective urinary disinfectant, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone which is toxic[222]. The leaves can be used fresh or can be harvested in the summer and dried for later use[238, 268].

Known Hazards

None known