Creeping Snowberry (Gaultheria japonica)

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

Gaultheria japonica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils.

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

Mossy grounds under conifers at elevations of 1600 - 2000 metres. (Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)