Gaultheria hispidula aka Creeping Wintergreen

Gaultheria hispidula, or creeping snowberry, belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae. Other names include ivory plum, moxie berry, and running snowberry. Its native range spans subarctic North America and much of Canada. It also reaches the northern United States, south to Maryland. It grows in cold woods, bogs, and mountain forests. Its wider climate range includes subalpine and subarctic areas. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This evergreen shrub grows low and spreads along the ground. It reaches about 0.3 feet (0.1 metres) tall. Its spread can reach about 3.3 feet (1 metre). The plant grows fast and keeps its leaves through winter. Its low form makes it useful as woodland ground cover. Shady garden edges and spots with dappled light suit this role. It can also form ground cover in a food forest.

Flowers appear from May to June, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds ripen from August to September. The small fruits measure about 0.02 feet (0.006 metres) across. They have a tart taste with a light wintergreen flavour. People eat them fresh or cooked and make preserves. Some local markets sell the fruit. The leaves are also edible, either raw or cooked. They can make a tea with a mild wintergreen taste.

Choose shade or part shade and soil rich in humus. The plant needs lime-free soil and a steady moisture supply. Sandy or loamy soils suit it. Although it grows in wet habitats, cultivation guidance favours moist, non-boggy soil. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 5–9 for this species. Its stated UK zone 6 uses a different scale from RHS ratings. That figure should not be read as an RHS H6 rating.

Mice may nest beneath the plant's cover. In winter, they can strip stem bark and cause dieback. Seedlings may suffer damping off, so careful watering and airflow matter. Seeds need four to ten weeks of cold treatment before sowing. Sow them on the surface of moist, lime-free compost. Give young plants light shade and shelter through their first winter. PFAF records no known hazards for this species. That does not establish safety for every person or pet.