Gaultheria procumbens

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Gaultheria procumbens (Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry, Boxberry or American Wintergreen) is a species of Gaultheria native to northeastern North America from Newfoundland west to southeastern Manitoba, and south to Alabama.^[1]

It is a small low-growing shrub, typically reaching 10–15 cm tall. The leaves are evergreen, elliptic to ovate, 2–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, with a distinct oil of wintergreen scent. The flowers are bell-shaped, 5 mm long, white, borne solitary or in short racemes. The fruit is an edible bright red berry 6–9 mm diameter.^[2]

It is endangered in parts of its native range. It is most common in acid soil.

Its leaves and branches also make a fine tea, through normal drying and infusion process.

Teaberry is also an ice cream flavor in regions where the plant grows. In order for the leaves to produce more than a whiff of the methyl salicylate, they need to be fermented in warm water for several days before drinking^{[citation needed]}.

References

• Blanchan, N. (2005). Wild Flowers Worth Knowing. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.