Gaultheria trichophylla

Gaultheria trichophylla is a small evergreen shrub in the heath family, Ericaceae. Its native range runs from northern Pakistan to south-central China and northern Myanmar. It also occurs in Bhutan, northern India and Nepal. This mountain plant grows in subalpine or subarctic climates. It creeps through alpine pastures and across rocky banks. Other habitats include mountain grasslands, slopes and rocky ground. Wild plants reach sites as high as 14,764 feet [4,500 metres].

In gardens, it grows about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall. It spreads to about 1.64 feet [0.5 metres] across. Its low, creeping form suits use as ground cover. The leaves stay on the plant throughout the year. Bruised leaves give off a strong, warm, aromatic scent. Flowers appear from May to June. Each flower has both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. Seeds ripen from July to September. The blue, egg-shaped fruit measures about 0.033 feet [0.01 metres] long. Plants do not always produce fruit well in Britain.

Give this shrub moist soil with plenty of humus. The soil should hold moisture without becoming boggy. Sandy and loamy soils suit it, and cultivation guidance calls for lime-free soil. It tolerates very acid conditions. Grow it in sun or partial shade, with steady soil moisture. A fairly open, bright site suits it when roots stay moist. It can also cover ground along woodland edges or in dappled shade. Its year-round leaves provide cover even outside the flowering season.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 7–10. It reports cold tolerance down to about −5 to −10°C. The same source warns against planting in Britain's colder districts. Mice may nest beneath the growth and gnaw stem bark in winter. This damage can cause shoots to die back. Young seedlings can also suffer from damping-off. Careful watering and good airflow help limit this problem.

Seeds need four to ten weeks of cold treatment before sowing. Sow them on the surface of moist, lime-free compost in shade. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them outside in late spring or early summer. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses. That limited hazard record does not establish safety for every use.