Gaultheria hispidula aka Creeping Wintergreen
Taxonomy
Gaultheria hispidula, also known as the creeping snowberry or moxie-plum, is a perennial ground-level vine belonging to the Ericaceae family. This fast-growing evergreen shrub is native to North America and thrives in shady positions with abundant sunlight, not more than 3 feet from a window. It produces small white edible berries with a pleasantly acid and refreshing taste, similar to wintergreen. The fruit and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and can also be made into delicious preserves. The leaves are used to make a tea that has a mild flavor of wintergreen and is said to be superior to china tea. This super rare houseplant requires regular watering and a well-draining soil, and doesn't need added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size. The plant fruits from August to September, and both its leaves and berries have a wintergreen scent and taste. The Micmaq tribes of Newfoundland refer to Gaultheria hispidula as Manna Teaberry.
Common names
Creeping Wintergreen, Creeping Snowberry, Cancer WintergreenHow to care for Creeping Wintergreen
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Creeping Wintergreen, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Creeping Wintergreen should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Creeping Wintergreen loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Creeping Wintergreen prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Creeping Wintergreen plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
The Creeping Wintergreen is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Region of origin
Creeping Wintergreen’s native range is Northern N. America.
More info:
Wikipedia
