Checkerberry

Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens) is a low-growing subshrub or shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada, ranging from Alabama to Wisconsin and north into Ontario and Quebec. This plant is known for its edible and ornamental qualities, with small, aromatic berries often used in culinary applications and evergreen leaves that can be utilized as well. Checkerberry thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 4 and 6.5, preferring dry to moist conditions. It grows up to 0.2 meters tall and is distinguished by its clusters of white or pink flowers that precede the berries. This hardy plant is a dynamic accumulator, making it useful for improving soil quality and can serve as a ground cover or fragrant addition to gardens. Its native range includes states such as Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Newfoundland, North Carolina, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Checkerberry can also be found in Great Britain, having been introduced there. While the plant is not medicinal, its edible and ornamental uses make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.