Wintergreen
Pyrola minor
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 636A — Pyrola minor
Pyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minorPyrola minor
IOverview
Overview
Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) is a low-growing perennial subshrub native to northern and central regions of North America and Eurasia. It thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Known for its edible leaves and fruit, wintergreen can be found across a wide range including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, Austria, and many other regions from Europe to Asia. This plant reaches only about 10 cm in height and is valued for its light, airy form that adds interest to gardens or natural settings. Its native range spans from the Arctic Circle to southern Europe and parts of China, making it a hardy species with a wide adaptability to various climates.
Quick answers
What is Wintergreen?
Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) is a low-growing perennial subshrub native to northern and central regions of North America and Eurasia. It thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wintergreen prefers partial shade to full sun and thrives in moist, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows as a subshrub reaching up to 0.1 meters tall. Propagate via division or seed. Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Harvest the leaves and fruit for culinary use.
Light
5/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Subshrub
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Wintergreen for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Wintergreen in a well-prepared, moist soil environment for a rewarding beginner project.
- 1
What you'll need
Wintergreen plants or seeds, potting mix suitable for acid-loving plants, and containers if starting from seed.
- 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 light (sandy) to medium in texture.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery into prepared containers or directly into the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide partial shade during this period to help establish roots.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch around the plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems annually to maintain plant health and appearance; avoid harvesting fruit for now.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, using incorrect soil pH, and not providing enough shade are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The wintergreen plant (Pyrola minor) is a perennial subshrub that can be found in various habitats across North America and Europe. Its leaves and fruits are edible and are typically consumed fresh or used in teas. The light and moist nature of the plant makes it thrive in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, where it can grow to a height of about 0.1 meters.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryRussiaUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)China
Americas2 regions
native (2)GreenlandUnited States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Aleutian Is., Altay, Amur, Arizona, Baltic States, British Columbia, Buryatiya, California, Chita, Colorado, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 636accd5-e439-446a-9ce3-c8c89cabdc1a
Decision aid
Choosing between Wintergreen and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.