Pipsissewa

Chimaphila maculata (ky-MAF-ih-luh mak-yuh-LAY-tuh)

Family: Ericaceae Native Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

Striped wintergreen is a native, evergreen, rhizomatous, perennial wildflower in the blueberry family (Ericaceae). It is found in dry woods and hardwood forests in the eastern United States, Canada, and Mexico. It grows upright, 4 to 8 inches tall, and has an unbranched, slightly woody stem. The leaves are dark bluish-green, whorled, lanceolate with serrated margins, and they are mottled with white along the leaf veins. The flowers appear in small clusters of 2 to 5. Each bloom is borne on a short, nodding stalk. The flowers are waxy-white to pinkish-white with 5 concave petals, a conspicuous green ovary, and 10 stamens encircle the ovary, forming a crown-like appearance. The genus name Chimaphila originates from two Greek words: cheima , meaning winter, and philein , meaning love. The specific epithet maculata is from the Latin maculosus , meaning spotted, and refers to its mottled leaf pattern. The common name striped wintergreen refers to the plant's evergreen habit; however, it has no minty scent. This plant needs very well-drained, preferably acidic, organically rich, loamy, or sandy soils in shady conditions. After the blooms fade, a small capsule appears. When it matures, the dry capsule dehisces, and then the seeds are dispersed by the wind. This plant can be slow to develop, and its seeds may have difficulty germinating, and sometimes depend on a mycorrhizal fungus for their establishment. Its fibrous roots may also be divided for propagation. The tannins in the foliage tend to deter deer and other mammals, but bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers' nectar. This species is widespread in North Carolina except for the northeastern region. It is easily recognizable by its dark green, white-striped leaves. It is considered endangered in some states, specifically, Maine and Illinois, and rare to uncommon in Vermont. Use striped wintergreen in a dry woodland setting as a ground cover, for naturalizing, or under shrubs to provide color. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Tends to be disease and pest-free. The foliage is toxic to sheep.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.