Alpine Wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa)

This low-growing relative of salal trails along the ground, spreading to form an attractive evergreen groundcover that is common in moist subalpine forests and meadows in BC. The small leathery leaves are edible raw, or made into a tea with mild wintergreen flavour. It produces white to light pink, bell-shaped flowers that are followed by small red berries, which are also edible for both humans and wildlife, and provide winter interest. Alpine wintergreen prefers full sun to light shade, plenty of moisture, and acidic soil.

Sun Exposure: Full sun to light shade
Soil & Moisture: Prefers moist sandy loam, PH from neutral to very acidic
Mature Size: Stems up to 20cm in length that trail along the ground, slowly forming a mat
Bloom Time: early summer
Edible: yes (leaves, berries)
Wildlife Value: leaves and fruits are a food source for wildlife
Native Range & Habitat: Coniferous woodlands and in moist soils along stream banks, subalpine to alpine wet meadows, rocky mountain slopes. From British Columbia south to California, east to the Rocky Mountains.
Other Names: Teaberry, alpine spicy wintergreen