Alpine Wintergreen
Gaultheria humifusa
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Pl. 8136 — Gaultheria humifusa
Gaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusaGaultheria humifusa
IOverview
Overview
Alpine Wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa) is a low-growing shrub or subshrub found in the wild across northern and western North America, from Alberta to California and as far east as Wyoming. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in moist, light soil and partial sun to full shade conditions. Native to regions with hardiness zones 6-9, it can grow up to 0.1 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in the aromatic leaves and small, white or pinkish flowers that precede the edible berries, making it a valuable addition to both ornamental gardens and culinary uses.
Quick answers
What is Alpine Wintergreen?
Alpine Wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa) is a low-growing shrub or subshrub found in the wild across northern and western North America, from Alberta to California and as far east as Wyoming. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in moist, light soil and partial sun to full shade conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Alpine Wintergreen thrives in partial sun to full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy) or medium. It grows best in hardiness zones 6-9 and reaches a height of about 0.1 meters. This plant can be propagated through division or cuttings. Given its native range, it is well-adapted to temperate regions like those found in Alberta, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Habit
Shrub, Subshrub
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Alpine Wintergreen for the first time
8steps
Start with Alpine Wintergreen as a simple ground cover, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
Alpine Wintergreen plants or seeds, well-draining soil mix, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy or medium soil with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for proper water flow.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots directly into the garden or sow seeds in trays and then transplant.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Provide light shade to avoid sunburn, especially if planted in full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells, mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune lightly to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to encourage a dense, low-growing habit. Harvest leaves for tea when needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough shade, neglecting pruning and maintenance.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:DyeGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 12 native
Broader regions
native:British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 81362167-31c7-4b31-97d0-d1592ea23496
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