Mountain Checkerberry

Mountain Checkerberry, Gaultheria ovatifolia, is a small shrub or subshrub native to the Pacific Northwest and northern California, thriving in moist, partially shaded environments such as forests and understories. This plant is native to regions including British Columbia, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, Mountain Checkerberry also serves as an ornamental choice for gardens due to its attractive foliage and berries. The plant features light green leaves with a spicy aroma when crushed, and produces small, white flowers that precede the edible red berries. It thrives in partial sun to full shade and prefers moist, light (sandy) to medium soil, growing to a height of up to 0.2 meters. Hardy in zones 5-9, Mountain Checkerberry is best propagated through seeds or cuttings. While the fruit is edible, it is not commonly used for culinary purposes.