Alpine Wintergreen, Alpine spicywintergreen
Gaultheria humifusa

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

Gaultheria humifusa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Moist alpine and sub-alpine slopes.

Western N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

North America*, USA,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw or cooked. Aromatic and delicious with a flavour of wintergreen. Often used in preserves. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. Leaves - raw. Used as a wayside nibble. The young tender leaves are especially suited for use as greens. They have a delicate flavour of wintergreen. A tea is made from the fresh or dried leaves.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A ground cover plant for positions in the sun or light shade. A black dye has been made from the plant.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in sun or semi-shade. This species requires a lot of shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. Grows well in a rock garden. This species is closely allied to G. ovatifolia. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, July/August in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring. A good percentage usually take. Division in spring just before new growth begins. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

G. myrsinites. Vaccinium humifusum.