Gaultheria procumbens

Common Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens — commonly called Wintergreen or Teaberry — is a low-growing, evergreen perennial groundcover valued for its glossy foliage, fragrant berries, and year-round interest. It forms a slow-spreading mat of leathery, dark green leaves that often turn reddish or bronze in cold weather. In summer, small, nodding white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers appear, followed by bright red berries that persist through fall and winter. The foliage and berries release a distinctive minty fragrance when crushed.

Mature Size:
Width: Spreading 12–24 in
Height: 4–6 in

USDA Zones: 3a–8b
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Soil: Acidic, well-drained, organic-rich soils; intolerant of alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Berries provide food for birds and small wildlife; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses:
Form: Low, spreading evergreen groundcover with a dense, mat-forming habit
Bright red berries provide winter interest
Glossy foliage offers year-round appeal
Fragrant leaves and berries with a wintergreen scent
Excellent for woodland gardens, underplanting, and shaded areas

Maintenance:
Low maintenance; slow to spread
Prefers cool, moist, acidic conditions
Mulch to retain moisture and improve soil
Avoid hot, dry sites

Plant type

Groundcover, Perennial

Height

4-6"

Width

12-24"

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Groundcover, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading, Wide Spreading

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No