Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Gaultheria hispidula, is an evergreen fast-growing, prostrate shrub commonly known as the creeping snowberry. A useful fast growing ground cover plant for shady positions. The fruit is pleasantly acid and refreshing, with a delicate flavour of wintergreen. An agreeable sub-acid taste, similar to G. shallon. They can be made into delicious preserves. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. Both the fruit and leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Pleasantly acid and refreshing, with a delicate flavour of wintergreen. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Pleasantly acid and refreshing, with a delicate flavour of wintergreen.; An agreeable sub-acid taste, similar to G.; They can be made into delicious preserves.

Habitat & North American Range

Coniferous forests and mountains in the alpine and sub-alpine zones. Cold wet woods and bogs. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)