Trailing arbutus, Mayflower
Epigaea repens
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small evergreen shrub. It grows about 15 cm high. It creeps or trails over the ground. The stems form roots along its length. The flowers are in clusters and are pink and waxy. There are 5 or 6 flowers in a cluster at the ends of shoots. The fruit are round capsules filled with seeds.
The leaves are used in medicine.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It is damaged by frost. It grows in light sandy well-drained soils. It needs a protected shaded position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Canada, Europe, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The flowers are eaten raw. They are added to salads.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. The soil temperature needs to be above 10-13°C. It can also be grown from cuttings or rooted sections.