Creeping Snowberry
Gaultheria hispidulafam. Ericaceae
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Pl. CB49 — Gaultheria hispidula
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IOverview
Overview
Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) is a subshrub to shrub native to northeastern and northwestern North America, ranging from Alberta and British Columbia in the west to Labrador and Quebec in the east, and as far south as Connecticut and Maryland. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in moist, wet conditions with partial sun or shade, thriving best in light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 4 and 6.5. Its distinctive features include small stature, reaching only about 0.1 meters in height, and the ability to form dense mats, making it an attractive ground cover for gardens and natural landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Creeping Snowberry?
Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) is a subshrub to shrub native to northeastern and northwestern North America, ranging from Alberta and British Columbia in the west to Labrador and Quebec in the east, and as far south as Connecticut and Maryland.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Creeping Snowberry prefers partial sun to shade and thrives in moist, wet conditions with light (sandy) or medium soil. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and grows as a subshrub or shrub up to 0.1 meters tall. For best results, maintain a soil pH between 4 and 6.5. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. Edible parts include the fruit and leaves, making this plant useful both for its landscaping qualities and culinary applications.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
4–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Creeping Snowberry for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance approach to growing Creeping Snowberry.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil has good drainage and a pH between 4 and 6.5, using light, medium-textured soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil, covering them lightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide partial shade to help the plant establish itself.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells but avoid overwatering. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough shade are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:Ground cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 30 native
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Idaho, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward I., Québec, Rhode I., Saskatchewan, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Alberta, Connecticut, British Columbia, Masachusettes, Wisconsin
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 (Ericaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ericaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cb490b0e-3325-433c-95f5-7e3597ab0fbe
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