Macrostigma Wintergreen (Gaultheria macrostigma)

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

Gaultheria macrostigma is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. Fairly large. The fruit is about 6mm in diameter. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is about 6mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Montane to lower sub-alpine open grassland and rocky places in North South and Stewart Islands from 39° and southwards. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)