Creeping Wintergreens, Eastern Tea Berry

Creeping Wintergreens is a low-spreading, edible woody evergreen groundcover native to eastern North America.  The foliage grows on erect stems and the glossy, leathery dark green leaves turn reddish at the onset of cold weather.  Nodding bell-like white flowers bloom on axils in summer and give way to edible red berries that last through winter.  Both the leaves and berries have an aroma and taste like wintergreen.  Prefers partial sun, acidic, and moist well-drained soils.  Drought tolerant once established.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance.  Watch for aphids, mildew, and leaf spot.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Native Gardens, Rock Gardens, Foundation Plantings.

COMPANION PLANTS: Blueberry, Azalea, Rhododendron

Image: Dryas, Gaultheria procumbens 3, CC BY-SA 3.0