Wintergreen Plant
Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) is a low, evergreen groundcover in the heath family, valued for glossy aromatic leaves, white urn-shaped summer flowers, and bright red berries that persist through winter. Its leaves contain natural methyl salicylate (the classic wintergreen scent).
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Winter holidays/Christmas
- Winter birthdays
- Housewarming
- Get well soon
- Thank you
- Woodland or winter wedding decor
Suitable for
- Friends
- Family
- Coworkers
- Neighbors
- Gardeners/nature lovers
Color taboos
- Avoid all-white wrapping in East Asian cultures where white is linked to funerals.
- Avoid black-only wrapping in many cultures for celebratory gifts.
- Red-and-white pairing can symbolize hospitals/funerals in some regions.
- Red–green reads strongly Christmas-themed; ensure recipient welcomes holiday motifs.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Ericales; Family: Ericaceae; Genus: Gaultheria; Species: Gaultheria procumbens (syn. G. procumbens L.); Common names: wintergreen, eastern teaberry, checkerberry.
Distribution
Native to eastern North America (Newfoundland to Georgia, west to Minnesota); thrives in cool, acidic woodland understories; widely cultivated in temperate regions.
Conservation
Widespread and stable in its native range; not globally threatened (commonly cultivated).
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Gift as a potted plant in a breathable or glazed container with ericaceous compost. Include a care tag noting its need for acidic soil and partial shade. Keep cool during transport; avoid leaving in a hot car. Mention salicylate content—avoid if household members are aspirin-sensitive or if pets are prone to chewing plants.
Ideal delivery time
Late autumn to early winter when berries are showy; deliver on a cool morning to avoid heat stress.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Contains methyl salicylate (wintergreen oil). Ingestion of concentrated oil is dangerous; large quantities of leaves/berries may cause salicylate toxicity—avoid for children and aspirin-sensitive individuals. Pets (cats/dogs) may be at risk if they chew foliage/berries; generally low risk if not ingested. Skin contact with oils can cause irritation in sensitive people.
Allergenicity
Low airborne allergenicity (insect-pollinated). Possible contact sensitivity for people with salicylate/aspirin sensitivity; essential oil fragrance may irritate very sensitive individuals.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
Resilience and steady vitality through the cold season; a gentle emblem of healing, freshness, and constancy.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Site: Partial shade to dappled light; protect from hot afternoon sun. Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic (pH 4.5–6.0). Water: Keep evenly moist; avoid waterlogging and summer drought. Climate: Hardy in USDA Zones ~3–7. Feeding: Light applications of acid-forming fertilizer (for azaleas/rhododendrons) in spring; avoid lime. Mulch: Pine needles or shredded bark to conserve moisture and maintain acidity. Pruning: Minimal—tip prune after fruiting to shape. Pollination: Better berry set with multiple plants/clones. Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings, division of rooted runners, or stratified seed. Containers: Use ericaceous compost, ensure sharp drainage, and keep cool and evenly moist.
Recommended tools
- Acidic, peat-based potting mix or ericaceous compost
- Hand trowel
- Soil pH meter/test kit
- Watering can with fine rose
- Pruning snips
- Pine-needle or bark mulch
Symbolizes
- Endurance
- Healing and restoration
- Constancy
- Freshness
- Winter cheer