Mountain checkerberry, Western Teaberry, Slender false-wintergreen
Gaultheria ovatifolia
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small sprawling plant. It grows 20 cm high and spreads 1 m wide. The leaves are 2-5 cm long and glossy. They are pointed at the tips. The flowers are pink or greenish-white and have 5 lobes. They are 3-4 mm wide. The fruit are 6 mm across.
There are about 170 Gaultheria species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It does best in sheltered and shady places. It is cold hardy and grows in cool places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They are spicy. They are also stewed and made into a sauce.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Salal