Spotted Wintergreen
Chimaphila maculata
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. F38B — Chimaphila maculata
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IOverview
Overview
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) is a subshrub native to eastern North America and Central America, with a range extending from the northeastern United States through the southeastern states into Mexico. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, making it adaptable but preferring slightly acidic conditions. Its leaves are edible and can be used for culinary purposes. The plant is also known for its ornamental value due to its distinctive spotted foliage. Found in various habitats across its native range, Spotted Wintergreen adds a unique touch to gardens or natural landscapes with its light requirement and hardiness zone of 6-7.
Quick answers
What is Spotted Wintergreen?
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) is a subshrub native to eastern North America and Central America, with a range extending from the northeastern United States through the southeastern states into Mexico. This plant thrives in moist, light to medium soil with a pH between 5.
What is Spotted Wintergreen used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Spotted Wintergreen
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Spotted Wintergreen appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a tincture. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Spotted Wintergreen support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spotted Wintergreen thrives in partial shade to full sun and prefers moist, well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It is adaptable to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soil types but performs best when the soil is not too dry or waterlogged. This subshrub grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions with zones 6-7. Propagate through division of mature plants or by seed. Harvest edible leaves for culinary use.
Light
4/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-7
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Spotted Wintergreen for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Spotted Wintergreen in a well-prepared, moist soil environment.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Spotted Wintergreen plant or seeds, potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants, and a container with drainage holes.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix with a pH of 5.5–6.5, ensuring it's slightly acidic. Containers should have adequate drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into the prepared soil, making sure not to bury the stem too deep. For seeds, sow them lightly covered and keep moist.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Place in a partially shaded area to prevent sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Provide partial shade and mulch to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or damaged leaves in early spring to encourage new growth. Avoid harvesting leaves for eating as they are primarily used for ornamental purposes.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and exposing the plant to full sun are common pitfalls to avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Ground coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas5 regions
native (5)Costa RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
Broader regions
native:New Hampshire, Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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