Gaultheria adenothrix

Gaultheria adenothrix is a small evergreen shrub from Japan. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range includes Hokkaido, Honshu and Shikoku. It grows in conifer woods and thickets below the alpine zone. It also occurs along forest edges in fairly dry places. Recorded sites lie between 1,312 and 6,234 feet [400–1,900 metres] above sea level. Kew describes its growth form as a subshrub.

In gardens, it reaches about 1 foot [0.3 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves through the year. Its low form suits ground cover beneath light woodland shade. Plants For A Future suggests spacing plants 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] apart. This is planting spacing, rather than a stated mature width. The species can also grow beside a shaded woodland edge. Its year-round foliage gives these sites lasting cover.

Flowers appear from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The fruit is small, about 0.02 feet [0.006 metres] across. It has a sweet taste and can be eaten fresh. It can also be cooked. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards for this species. That record does not establish safety for pets. The same source reports no known medicinal uses.

Choose humus-rich soil that stays moist without becoming boggy. The plant needs lime-free ground and favours acid conditions. Sandy and loamy soils are both suitable. Shade or partial shade suits its needs. Plants For A Future also lists tolerance of deep woodland shade. Its landscape notes, however, favour dappled shade over deep shade. The source gives USDA zones 8–11. It warns that severe British winters can cause serious damage. Its separate UK zone 9 listing is not an RHS hardiness rating.

Mice may nest among the plants and gnaw stems in winter. Their feeding can damage bark and cause shoots to die back. Seedlings are prone to damping off. Seed propagation starts with four to ten weeks of chilling. Sow seeds on moist, lime-free compost in a shaded greenhouse. Germination often takes one to two months at 20°C. Give seedlings good airflow and water with care. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter.