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Gaultheria procumbens
Common Name: Common Wintergreen
Gaultheria procumbens — commonly called Wintergreen or Teaberry — is a low-growing, evergreen perennial groundcover valued for its glossy foliage, fragrant berries, and year-round interest. It forms a slow-spreading mat of leathery, dark green leaves that often turn reddish or bronze in cold weather. In summer, small, nodding white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers appear, followed by bright red berries that persist through fall and winter. The foliage and berries release a distinctive minty fragrance when crushed.
Mature Size:
Width: Spreading 12–24 in
Height: 4–6 in
USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Acidic, well-drained, organic-rich soils; intolerant of alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Wildlife: Berries provide food for birds and small wildlife; deer resistant
Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading evergreen groundcover with a dense, mat-forming habit
Bright red berries provide winter interest
Glossy foliage offers year-round appeal
Fragrant leaves and berries with a wintergreen scent
Excellent for woodland gardens, underplanting, and shaded areas
Maintenance:
Low maintenance; slow to spread
Prefers cool, moist, acidic conditions
Mulch to retain moisture and improve soil
Avoid hot, dry sites
| Plant Type: | Perennial, Groundcover |
| Width: | 12-24" |
| Height: | 4-6" |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit: | Not verified |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zone: | 3–8 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | Not verified |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Butterflies |
| Exposure: | Partial Shade, Full Shade |
| Bloom Time: | Late Spring, Early Summer |
| Landscape/Use: | Groundcover, Mass Planting |
| Shape: | Wide Spreading, Low Spreading |
| Soil Type | Loamy, Well Drained, Acidic |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |