Oval, leathery leaves that give off a strong medicinal scent when rubbed, and white flowers that turn into bright red berries lasting all winter: such is American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), a low sub-shrub also prized for its essential oil. Plant it in acidic, well-drained heath soil in part shade and it asks for almost no care.
| Name | Gaultheria procumbens |
|---|---|
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Type | shrub |
| Height | 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) |
| Exposure | part sun |
| Soil | heath soil |
| Foliage | evergreen |
| Flowering | mid-spring to late spring |
American wintergreen or Gaultheria procumbens (and, more rarely, Pernettya) is a small sub-shrub, cousin to heather and blueberries that also belong to the Ericaceae family.
American wintergreen grows in Canada and in Northeast United States. Its leaves are oval, leathery, and when they are wounded a strong medicinal fragrance spreads, similar to that of meadowsweet.
The small white American wintergreen flowers produce sweet, tasty bright red berries.
American wintergreen is best planted in fall, but it is still perfectly possible to plant them in spring if you have purchased your plants in containers from the nursery.
American wintergreen particularly appreciates acidic soil and will thrive in heath soil.
This shrub is perfectly suited to being grown in pots for your terraces and balconies. It is also fine for heath soil shrub beds or as a stand-alone.
The need for acidic well-drained soil and shade means American wintergreen shares the same growing conditions as heath plants like azalea, hydrangea, camellia, heather or rhododendron.
American wintergreen is easy to care for and only requires very little care.
Water regularly during extended dry spells, especially potted American wintergreen.
American wintergreen asks for very little, but the few jobs it does need each fall on a fairly precise moment. Here is what happens when, and what you should be doing at the time.
| Moment | When | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Planting | Fall, or spring for container plants | Space plants about 40 inches (1 m) apart in acidic, heath soil |
| Flowering | mid-spring to late spring | Small white flowers, fragrant and reminiscent of orange blossom |
| Berries | Fall, held all winter | The main show: bright red fruits that keep the shrub colourful |
| Pruning | Once blooming is over | Optional, only to reshape or reduce the size of the plant |
| Watering | Extended dry spells and heat waves | Water regularly, and watch potted plants especially closely |
Miss none of these and the shrub stays decorative from spring bloom right through to late winter.
This slow-growing round-shaped shrub bears beautiful spring blooms that are particularly fragrant and reminisce of orange flowers.
But it is mostly known for its red berries that are produced in fall and stay on the shrub all winter long, and harbor a boon of medicinal properties.
Indeed, the blooming is followed by cute red fruits that keep American wintergreen brightly colored from spring to winter.
Additionally, the fragrant evergreen leafage will let you appreciate it even more on your terrace or balcony.
American wintergreen essential oil is extremely fragrant, and is used to heal backaches, tendinitis, arthritis, rheumatism
or muscle contractions such as low back pain.
Its virtues are appreciated and praised by all who have suffered muscle and joint pain and who have found relief thanks to it.
American wintergreen, thanks to the analgesic properties of methyl salicylate, reduces pain and consequently enhances muscle tone.
It is massaged around the painful are, diluted for example with Arnica oil or any other plant-based oil.
The red berries – white in the inside – are edible. When raw, they strongly taste of methyl salicylate.
If you are allergic to aspirin, do not ingest American wintergreen.
Indians were avid users of American wintergreen to soothe back pain, migraines (headaches), rheumatism, fevers and also colds.
For the same winter effect on more acidic ground, Pernettya carries larger berries, in pink, mauve or white, and holds them just as long.
Avoid planting them in flood-prone areas because they like well-drained soil.
Credits for images shared to Nature & Garden (all edits by Gaspard Lorthiois):
Frost on Gaultheria procumbens by Irene Wirsing under Pixabay license
American wintergreen seedling by Sandra Richard under © CC BY-NC 2.0
