A delightful decorative fruit / medicinal plant that makes a good flowering pot plant.
Creeping shrub that grows 6 inches tall with scalloped, glossy dark green leaves. Blooms urn shaped white or pale pink flowers in summer that mature to scarlet fruit.
Plant in an area that receives light shade, or remains shaded throughout the day. Shade tolerant, but will not tolerate drought. Excellent choice for native gardens, and functions as a woodland ground cover.
Makes a nice container plant for shaded patio areas. Excellent ground cover for shady areas. Woodland gardens, rock gardens, foundations or native plant areas. Plants are an interesting complement to other acid-loving shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, kalmias and blueberries.
Foliage was once used to make oil of wintergreen which has astringent, stimulant and diuretic properties. Wintergreen has been a popular flavoring for chewing gum, candies and toothpaste. Dried leaves can be used to make an interesting tea (teaberry is a sometimes-used common name for this plant), but this usage is no longer recommended. Leaves were once made into poultices for arthritic pain and sore muscles. Fruits may be eaten raw or added to pastries and salads.