Mountain Checkerberry, Western teaberry
Gaultheria ovatifolia
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
Gaultheria ovatifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June 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 full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Various habitats from fairly dry yellow pine forests to sub-alpine bogs.
Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Fruit - raw or cooked. Spicy and delicious. The fruit is up to 6mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A useful ground cover for shady places.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade. This species prefers considerable shade. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil. Closely related to G. humifusa. Reputed to be rather difficult in cultivation, it does not grow well in S. England. The plant can make a good nesting place for mice, these mice then eat the bark of the stems in winter causing die-back. 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, 7cm with a heel, July/August in a shady frame. Rather slow, it usually takes 12 months for the roots to form. Division in early spring. 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 in September/October. Takes 12 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Moist