Orthilia secunda aka Serrated Wintergreen

Orthilia secunda is a small evergreen perennial in the heather family, Ericaceae. Its common names include serrated wintergreen, notch-leaved wintergreen, and Yevering bells. Older records may call it Pyrola secunda. It grows in temperate regions, including Central Asia. Records also place it across other parts of Asia and North America. It is native to Britain and Ireland. The RHS describes it as uncommon, with British plants found mainly in northern Scotland.

This woodland plant spreads by creeping rhizomes beneath the soil. These form groups of rosettes with dark green leaves. The leaves stay green through winter. Its curved flower stems reach about 0.3–0.7 feet [0.1–0.2 metres] high. Small flowers appear in summer, each shaped like a bell. Their pale colour blends green with white. The flowers hang along just one side of each stem. This one-sided display is a clear feature of the plant.

In the wild, it grows in damp conifer woods and on moist rock ledges. Heather and bilberry may grow beside it. In gardens, it needs cool shade and soil rich in humus. Choose acid loam that stays moist but drains well. The RHS lists both partial shade and full shade. Plants For A Future favours dappled shade or a shaded edge, rather than deep shade. A sheltered site facing north or east suits the RHS guidance. Its hardiness ratings are RHS H6 and USDA zones 4–8.

Its low growth suits shaded rock gardens and woodland planting. The RHS also lists informal gardens and wildlife gardens as uses. It can grow beneath roses and shrubs where conditions suit it. Plants take about two to five years to reach maturity. Grow new plants from seed, or divide clumps once well established. The plant needs no pruning. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Plants For A Future lists seeds as edible but gives no preparation details. It also records occasional use of the leaves for tea. Its food-use rating is low, at one out of five. The same source records a past use of boiled root liquid as an eye wash. This is a record of use, not proof of safety or benefit. It lists no known hazards, but that does not establish safety for people or pets.