Gaultheria procumbens
Plant Details
General Information
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Permeable, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
Acid Neutral Basic
Shadow, Half shade
Usage properties
Fruit, Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Ethereal oil, Ground cover
Description
Fruit: eaten raw or cooked. The fruit has a strong and spicy flavor, and tastes best after the frost period. The fruits remain on the trees until spring, unless they are eaten earlier by birds and other animals. The fruits are also suitable for use in pies, jams, and other dishes. They have a diameter of 15 mm. Young leaves are edible when raw. They taste best when they are still very young and have a dry and powdery flavor. Fresh leaves can be used to make a tasty tea. Fermenting the leaves can make the tea stronger. Additionally, the leaves can be used to make evergreen oil. Moreover, the leaves are used to enhance the flavor of beer, candy, chewing gum, and other products.
Harvest Data
Guilds
Guild Information
Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.
Guild Details
| Guild | Description |
|---|---|
|
Morus nigra Black Mulberry |
Provides shade and contributes to soil fertility; the wider canopy offers a cooler microclimate that benefits the Gaultheria. Also, the fallen leaves can enhance soil quality. |
|
Rhus typhina Sumach |
Helps in soil stabilization and provides additional nutrient support due to its nitrogen-fixing properties. |
|
Viburnum opulus Highbush cranberry |
Provides habitat for beneficial insects and helps to improve biodiversity in the garden, while its fruit can also attract wildlife. |
|
Sambucus canadensis American Elder |
Attracts pollinators and helps in pest control, due to the presence of beneficial insects when grown nearby. |
|
Corylus avellana Hazel |
Provides nuts for a food source, and the shade created can help in maintaining moisture in the soil. |