Alpine Wintergreen, Alpine spicywintergreen

Gaultheria humifusa

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria humifusa 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 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[183]. Aromatic and delicious[2, 62, 106] with a flavour of wintergreen. Often used in preserves[183]. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter[200]. Leaves - raw[62]. Used as a wayside nibble[85]. The young tender leaves are especially suited for use as greens[183]. They have a delicate flavour of wintergreen. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves[62, 85, 183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known