Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata)

Family: Pyrolaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Chimaphila umbellata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. 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), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in root beer. — The leaves are nibbled, brewed into a tea or used as a flavouring in root beer.; They have a delicious scent and flavour.; An extract of the leaves is used to flavour candy and soft drinks.; In Mexico the herb is used in the preparation of 'navaitai', an alcoholic beverage produced from sprouted maize.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry coniferous woods in Europe. Moist woods, particularly coniferous stands, and along mountain streams from the lower hills to about 2,500 metres in Western N. America. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)