Wintergreen
Overview
Wintergreen, known scientifically as Gaultheria procumbens, is a low-growing perennial from the Ericaceae family. Native to North America, it features evergreen leaves and red berries with a minty aroma. Thriving in cold climates and acidic soils, wintergreen is used in culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications.
Characteristics
Known for its evergreen leaves, red berries, and distinctive minty aroma.
Region
It is commonly found or grown in cold, temperate regions of North America.
Natural Habitat
It is usually found in forest habitats.
Cultivation
Prefers partial shade, consistent moisture, and acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.
Uses and Benefits
Wintergreen’s versatile benefits make it a valuable plant for home and health:
- Pain Relief Properties: The plant’s natural methyl salicylate content acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, providing relief for arthritis, muscle strains, and backaches when applied topically1.
- Natural Flavoring: The distinctive minty-sweet taste enhances:
- Herbal teas and beverages
- Holiday candies and treats
- Traditional root beer
- Natural dental products
- Aromatherapy Benefits: The essential oil helps:
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Improve mental clarity
- Create uplifting room scents
- Year-Round Garden Value: Provides:
- Evergreen ground cover
- Winter food source for wildlife
- Fragrant garden spaces
- Attractive red berries in fall
Safety note: Use wintergreen oil with caution – it should always be diluted and never ingested directly2. Pregnant women and those on blood-thinning medications should avoid using wintergreen products.
Cultivation Tips
Cultivation Tips
Wintergreen thrives in acidic soil conditions (pH 4.2-6.5) and performs best in partial to full shade locations. Success depends on replicating its natural woodland habitat:
- Soil Preparation: Mix pine needles or oak leaf mulch into well-draining, organic-rich soil1
- Light Requirements: Plant in dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade
- Spacing: Place plants 12-18 inches apart to allow proper spread
- Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
- Temperature: Maintains best growth in cool conditions between 60-70°F
For container growing, use deep pots with drainage holes and a mixture of peat moss and pine bark. Water regularly during establishment, especially in the first growing season. Feed monthly during spring and summer with an acidic fertilizer formulated for woodland plants.
Wintergreen spreads through underground runners, forming dense groundcover over time. Trim back aggressive growth in spring to control spread and maintain desired shape.2
Companion Planting
Companion Planting
Wintergreen thrives in woodland gardens when thoughtfully paired with compatible shade-loving companions. Create a harmonious understory by combining wintergreen with these proven plant partners:
- Native Ferns – Lady ferns and Christmas ferns make excellent neighbors, providing dappled shade while their roots help prevent soil erosion
- Hostas – Their broad leaves offer protection from harsh afternoon sun and help retain soil moisture
- Rhododendrons – These acid-loving shrubs create the perfect canopy and drop leaves that naturally acidify the soil3
- Wild Blueberries – Share similar soil and light requirements while providing complementary ground coverage
For the best growing success, plant wintergreen 12-18 inches apart from companions to allow proper air circulation. The shallow root systems of these shade garden partners work well together without competing for nutrients.
Additional compatible understory plants include:
- Mountain laurel
- Sweet woodruff
- Wild ginger
- Foam flower
When designing your shade garden, arrange taller companions like rhododendrons on the southern side to provide afternoon shade protection. Allow wintergreen to naturally spread between other low-growing plants for an attractive woodland ground cover that provides year-round interest.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonal Care & Growth Patterns
Wintergreen displays distinct seasonal characteristics that influence its care requirements throughout the year:
- Spring (Growth Phase)
- New leaves emerge as temperatures warm
- Best time for dividing existing plants
- Apply acid-rich fertilizer early in season1
- Summer (Maintenance)
- Protect from intense afternoon sun
- Maintain consistent soil moisture
- Apply fresh mulch to keep roots cool
- Fall (Flowering & Fruiting)
- White bell-shaped flowers appear
- Berries begin forming
- Ideal time for new plantings
- Winter (Dormancy)
- Bright red berries persist
- Evergreen leaves provide winter interest
- Reduce watering but don’t let soil dry completely
While wintergreen maintains year-round foliage, its growth slows significantly during winter months. Adding a 2-inch layer of pine needle mulch helps protect roots during cold spells and maintains proper soil acidity2. Monitor winter moisture levels carefully, as plants can suffer from winter dehydration when ground freezes.
Issues and Troubleshooting
Common Issues
While the Gaultheria procumbens is generally hardy, soggy soil can cause root rot5. Ensure well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Too much direct sun leads to leaf scorch and stunted growth4. Provide partial shade for young plants.
Keep soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging.
With proper drainage and the right amount of filtered sunlight, your wintergreen will thrive. Monitor for signs of stress like wilting or yellowing leaves. Address issues promptly for a lush, healthy groundcover.
History and Folklore
History and Folklore
The story of wintergreen is deeply woven into North American indigenous culture, where various tribes treasured this aromatic plant as both medicine and ceremonial herb. The Algonquin people were among the first to discover its healing properties, using the leaves to treat respiratory ailments and muscle pain.
Colonial settlers quickly learned of wintergreen’s benefits from Native American healers, incorporating it into their own folk medicine. By the 1800s, it became one of the most popular flavoring agents in America, used in candies, medicines, and teas1.
In traditional folklore, wintergreen was believed to possess protective qualities. Many tribes kept dried wintergreen leaves in their homes to ward off malevolent spirits and bring good fortune. The plant was also burned during sacred ceremonies, with its sweet smoke thought to carry prayers to the spirit world2.
- Used in traditional medicine by at least 30 different Native American tribes
- One of the first natural flavorings used in American commercial products
- Played a significant role in both medicinal and spiritual practices
References
1. “Wondrous Wintergreen: All About the Wintergreen Plant.” Chelsea Green Publishing, 2024. https://www.chelseagreen.com/2024/wintergreen/
2. “Wintergreen Plant Guide: How to Grow Wintergreen Plants.” MasterClass, 2021. https://www.masterclass.com/articles/wintergreen-plant-guide
3. “How to Plant and Grow Wintergreen.” Better Homes & Gardens, 2023. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/shrub/wintergreen/
4. “Wintergreen Plant Care: Learn About Wintergreen Growing Conditions.” Gardening Know How, 2022. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/wintergreen/wintergreen-plant-care.htm
5. “How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Wintergreen.” Epic Gardening, 2024. https://www.epicgardening.com/wintergreen/
Image Credit: pellaea Attribution License
Image Credit: Kerry Wixted Attribution-NonCommercial License
Image Credit: nickscottharper Attribution-NonCommercial License
Nicolas Duval
Nicolas is a passionate advocate for nature and the art of wildcrafting. His dedication shines through in Wildcraftia, a website he meticulously crafted to serve as a haven for nature enthusiasts worldwide. Driven by a deep appreciation for nature’s connection to humanity, Nicolas embarked on his journey in 2011 with SmokableHerbs, a platform showcasing his love for nature’s bounty. Building upon this foundation, he established Smokably, a thriving online store offering premium herbs and blends to a global audience.