Gaultheria procumbens
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 Gaultheria procumbens in Hammond, Indiana
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| Gaultheria procumbens L. |
Gaultheria procumbens (Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry, Boxberry or American Wintergreen) is a species of Gaultheria native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama.[1]
It is a small low-growing shrub, typically reaching 10–15 cm tall. The leaves are evergreen, elliptic to ovate, 2–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, with a distinct oil of wintergreen scent. The flowers are bell-shaped, 5 mm long, white, borne solitary or in short racemes. The fruit is an edible bright red berry 6–9 mm diameter.[2]
It is endangered in parts of its native range. It is most common in acid soil.
Its leaves and branches also make a fine tea, through normal drying and infusion process. In order for the leaves to produce more than a whiff of the methyl salicylate, they need to be fermented in warm water for several days before drinking[3].
Teaberry is also an ice cream flavor in regions where the plant grows. It also inspired the name of Clark's Teaberry chewing gum.
[edit] Common names
This plant is also known as partridge berry,[4] although that name more often refers to the ground cover Mitchella repens.
[edit] References
- ^ Germplasm Resources Information Network: Gaultheria procumbens
- ^ Borealforest: Gaultheria procumbens
- ^ Gibbons, Euell. "Stalking the Healthful Herbs." New York: David McKay Company. 1966. pg. 92.
- ^ Hall, Joan Houston (2002). Dictionary of American Regional English. Harvard University Press, p. 47. ISBN 0-674-00884-7. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
