Leucocarpa Wintergreen (Gaultheria pumila leucocarpa)

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

Gaultheria pumila leucocarpa is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) 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 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. The fruit is about 17 - 22mm in diameter. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is about 17 - 22mm in diameter.

Habitat & North American Range

Found as far south as latitude 42° south. Growing in the Andes, it is common on volcanic slopes where it grows up to the snow-line. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)