Gaultheria humifusa aka Alpine Wintergreen

Gaultheria humifusa has the common name alpine wintergreen. It belongs to Ericaceae, the heather family. Other names are western wintergreen and spicy wintergreen. This small evergreen shrub comes from western North America. It is a subshrub, with a low, woody base. Its range spans western Canada and the western and west-central United States. This includes southern British Columbia, southwestern Alberta, and several western states. It grows on moist alpine and subalpine slopes, high in the mountains.

The plant grows at a slow pace, forming a low mat. It reaches about 0.33 feet (0.1 metres) tall. It spreads to about 1 foot (0.3 metres) wide. Rhizomes, or stems beneath the soil, help it spread. They let it grow across the ground rather than upright. Its glossy leaves stay on the plant all year. Their scent adds value when the plant has no fruit. Its small size suits ground cover near woodland edges. It can also grow in sun or dappled shade.

Flowers appear from July to August. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate the blooms and feed on their nectar. Red fruits then add colour above the low leaves. They look like berries but have a different form. Each has a capsule inside a swollen, fleshy calyx. The calyx is the outer part of the flower. Birds and small mammals may eat the fruits and spread seeds. The fruits taste sweet and have a wintergreen scent.

In gardens, keep it cool and the soil moist. It prefers acid soil rich in organic matter. Sand and loam suit it if they stay moist. The source says it also tolerates neutral soil. Part shade and shelter from extreme heat suit its mountain roots. PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 3–7. Grow new plants from seed or by splitting plants. You can also use rooted sections of the mat. Seeds need a cold spell before sowing. Damping off can harm seedlings, so water with care. Good airflow matters too.

Eat the fruits fresh, dried, or cooked. Use them in desserts too, though crops are small. Young leaves can flavour food or make tea. Use small amounts, not as a bulk vegetable. The source warns that scent compounds may include methyl salicylate. People sensitive to salicylates should avoid large amounts. PFAF records no known medicinal uses for this plant. The plant has also supplied a black dye. In gardens, its main roles are year-round cover and fruit. It also serves as food for wildlife.