Fragrant Wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima)

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

Gaultheria fragrantissima is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The purplish-blue fruit is about 8mm in diameter.; Chewed (to relieve thirst?).; An essential oil obtained from the leaves is used as a flavouring.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests and shrubberies, usually on dry slopes, at elevations of 1200 - 2700 metres in the Himalayas. (Zone 8)