Plant Details

Gaultheria procumbens

Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Gaultheria procumbens.

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General Information

Scientific name: Gaultheria procumbens
Also known as: Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen

Plant Properties

Layer: Herbaceous, Ground cover
Size: Small
Height: 0.20 m
Width: 1.00 m
Growth Rate: Moderate
Leaf: None

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 3-6
Soil Moisture:
Well-drained, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Shade, Partial shade

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit, Leaves, Condiment, Tea
Edibility:
(4)
Medicinal:
(3)
Features:
Essential 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

Start Harvest: 01/09
End of Harvest: 31/10