Wintergreen

Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry. This shiny-leaved, aromatic ground cover with it’s bright red berries and delicate, bell shaped white flowers is native to Northern US and Canada. It has a low growing habit to about 5 inches and spreads into a large mat once established. The distilled essential oil, although toxic in large quantities, has been used topically in perfumery and as a muscle liniment. The berries and leaves have historically been used for sinus problems, headaches and externally for arthritis. All parts of the plant are aromatic. Requires a rich, acidic soil and semi-shaded, cooler site. Wintergreen is quite drought hardy once established and extremely cold hardy as well. Perennial. Hardy to Zones 3-8.