Botanico

Plant profile

eastern teaberry

Gaultheria procumbens L.

Photo of eastern teaberry
Image: unknown author. License: LGPL. Source: Wikimedia Commons. · LGPL · Wikimedia Commons

An outdoor groundcover with glossy evergreen leaves and red berries. Grow it in shade or partial shade, in moist, well-drained acidic soil.

From Wikipedia

Gaultheria procumbens, also called the eastern teaberry, the checkerberry, the boxberry, or the American wintergreen, is a perennial species of Gaultheria native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama. It is a member of the Ericaceae.

Gaultheria procumbens — Text CC BY-SA. See the original article.

Open-data facts

Life form
It is perennial or subshrubby depending on age and conditions.
Climate
Temperate zones define its natural range.
Origin / area
Documented area of origin: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A..
Documented uses
Medicines · Materials · Food additives

Traits (USDA)

Botanical group
Botanically, it's a dicot, in contrast to monocots like lilies or palms.
Duration
As a perennial plant, it can age and continue producing new shoots.
Growth habit
Growth form: subshrub to shrubby.
Drought tolerance
High
Shade tolerance
Tolerant
Moisture use
Low
Soil pH
4 – 6.5
Mature height
0.5 ft
Bloom period
Spring
Toxicity (USDA)
None

Recommended products for eastern teaberry

    Ecological interactions

    • Uses it as a host:

      Gibbera gaultheriae, Stomiopeltis gaultheriae, Schizothyrium gaultheriae, Pseudocercospora gaultheriae, Venturia arctostaphyli, Phyllosticta, Phyllosticta gaultheriae, Mycosphaerella gaultheriae…

    • Eaten by:

      Vulpes vulpes, Ursus americanus, Tamias striatus, Peromyscus leucopus, Meleagris gallopavo, Catharus guttatus, Bonasa umbellus, Tympanuchus phasianellus…

    • Can be affected by pathogens such as:

      Phytophthora ramorum

    • Who pollinates this plant:

      Apoidea

    Basic care

    Watering
    In heatwaves, water a bit more—without overdoing it.
    Light
    An east or west window with some filter often works well.
    Temperature
    A cool, steady indoor climate beats strong heat.
    Humidity
    Appreciates higher-than-average air humidity.

    Pet toxicity

    In a pet household, prioritise an inaccessible spot.

    Cats: yes (toxic). Dogs: yes (toxic).

    Sources