Epigaea repens aka Mayflower

Epigaea repens, also known as mayflower, trailing arbutus, or ground laurel, is a low-growing, spreading evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant can be found from Newfoundland to Florida, and as far west as Kentucky and the Northwest Territories. It grows as a creeping mat that reaches a height of only 4-6 inches. The broad, oval, leathery leaves are aromatic and evergreen. Trailing, hairy stems produce sweet-scented pink or white flowers in terminal and axillary clusters that are trumpet-shaped and white to pale pink in color. Its flowers are also aromatic and are followed by a whitish berry that resembles a raspberry. This favorite wildflower with an exquisite fragrance can be found among the fallen leaves in early spring, favoring exposed sites where it is not smothered by leaf litter. However, it appears to be sensitive to abrupt environmental disturbances, such as lumbering and grazing, which may explain its current scarcity and endangered status in several states. Despite its popularity, this plant is difficult to cultivate. It is sometimes referred to as Plymouth Mayflower in reference to the fact that it was the first flower to cheer the hearts of the Pilgrim Fathers after the rigors of their first New England winter. Trailing Arbutus is a native woodland sub-shrub that grows in sandy to peaty woods and clearings, and it is becoming increasingly endangered in several states.