Alpine Wintergreen (Gaultheria humifusa)

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

Gaultheria humifusa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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) 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

Aromatic and delicious with a flavour of wintergreen. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Aromatic and delicious with a flavour of wintergreen.; Often used in preserves.; The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Moist alpine and sub-alpine slopes. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)