Striped Wintergreen – Chimaphila maculata

• krystal zuniga
• 0
• on Nov 30, 2022

The Spotted Wintergreen Chimaphila maculata (“Pipsissewa” in native language) is a small, perennial, rhizomatous evergreen herb native to eastern North America and Central America. Even thought they contain chlorophyll and are capable to make photosynthesis, they are partially saprophytes.

Family: Ericaceae

Leaves: Dark green-white, 2-7cm, opposite, lanceolate, dentant

Height: 7-25cm

Flowers: 4-5 petals, white/pinkish/cooper, nearly round, umbel,

Blooming: Summer (July-Aug)

Seeds: dispersed by wind.

Fruit: the flowers transform into small dark brown capsules (6-8mm) bearing the seeds

Ethnobotany: Native Americans used its leaf for tea to treat rheumatism, stomach problems. Crushed leaves were applied as a poultice to sores and wounds.

Ecology: Found in sandy habitats, well-drained upland forests, oak-pine woods, and similar ecosystems. Tolerant of acidic soil (<6.0). Insect pollinated. Foliage is avoid by deer.

Conservation Status: Endangered in Illinios, Maine and in New York is considered Exploitably Vulnerable. In Canada is only four populations left.

Distribution: USA: AL , AZ , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , PA , RI , SC , TN , VA , VT, WV; Canada: ON , QC

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a

Maintenance: Low

Light: Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)

References:
Hamlyn, P. (1966). The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Artia: New York, New York.

North Carolina State University. (s.f.). Chimaphila maculata. North Carolina Plant Toldbox. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/chimaphila-maculata/