Groundcovers

Gaultheria procumbens

Eastern wintergreen

Also known as: Teaberry · Checkerberry · American wintergreen

Eastern wintergreen fruit and leaves; species photograph.

A low native evergreen with glossy, wintergreen-scented leaves, small white to pinkish summer flowers and bright red fall fruit. It makes a slow-spreading carpet for acidic woodland soil and shaded garden edges.

At a glance

Sun: Part shade to deep shade
Mature size: 4–8 in. tall × 6–12 in. wide
Water: Moist, well-drained acidic soil
Hardiness: USDA zones 3–7
Bloom: Small white to pink flowers in summer.

Sizes & prices

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Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Resistance & tolerances

Drought: Some tolerance once established; keep evenly moist while young.
Wet soil: Moist soil is welcome; avoid waterlogging.

Pollinators & wildlife

Birds: Fruit provides food

Native range

Native range / parentage: Native to Kentucky and eastern North America. Species native to Kentucky.
Tristate native status: Native to Kentucky and eastern North America.

Seasonal interest

Habit: Broadleaf evergreen groundcover.
Fruit: Red fruit persists into fall and winter.

Growing & care

Soil: Acidic, organic soil with good drainage.
Habit: Slow, creeping spread; allow time to knit together.

Sources & photo credits

NC State Extension

Kew Science, Plants of the World Online

arboretum.ca.uky.edu

Photo: Kristof Zyskowski and Yulia Bereshpolova · CC BY 2.0

Reviewed October 1, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.