Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Physical Characteristics

Gaultheria procumbens is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Eastern N. America. Introduced and established on one site in Britain, in Scotland.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Condiment Tea Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3, 14, 95, 101]. Pleasant but insipid[11]. The fruit is not at all insipid, it has a very strong spicy taste of germolene, just like being in a hospital waiting room[K]. Best after a frost, the fruit hangs onto the plant until spring if it is not eaten by birds etc[62, K]. The fruits can also be used in pies, or made into jams etc[183]. The fruit is up to 15mm in diameter[200]. Young leaves - raw[62, 102, 106]. A pleasant wayside nibble if used when very young[183]. Dry and powdery according to our taste buds[K]. A very agreeable tea is made from the fresh leaves[3, 95, 183]. A stronger tea can be made by first fermenting the bright red leaves[183]. 'Oil of wintergreen' can be distilled from this plant. It is used to flavour beer, sweets, chewing gum etc[183].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antiinflammatory Antirheumatic Aromatic Astringent Carminative Diuretic Emmenagogue Stimulant Tonic Checkerberry leaves were widely used by the native North American Indians in the treatment of aches and pains and to help breathing whilst hunting or carrying heavy loads[238]. An essential oil (known as 'oil of wintergreen') obtained from the leaves contains methyl salicylate, which is closely related to aspirin and is an effective anti-inflammatory[213]. This species was at one time a major source of methyl salicylate, though this is now mainly synthesized[238]. The leaves, and the oil, are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic[4, 21, 165]. An infusion of the leaves is used to relieve flatulence and colic[254]. The plant, especially in the form of the essential oil, is most useful when applied externally in the treatment of acute cases of rheumatism, sciatica, myalgia, sprains, neuralgia and catarrh[4, 238]. The oil is sometimes used in the treatment of cellulitis, a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become inflamed[254]. Some caution is advised, especially if the oil is used internally, since essential oil is toxic in excess, causing liver and kidney damage[4, 238]. It should not be prescribed for patients who are hypersensitive to salicylates (aspirin)[238]. The leaves can be gathered at any time from spring to early autumn, they are dried for use in infusions or distilled to produce the oil[238].

Known Hazards

The pure distilled essential oil is toxic in large doses[222]. If used orally may aggravate stomach ulcers. Do not use if allergic to aspirin. Avoid if under 12. Topical use can cause contact dermatitis [301].