This species is often confused with Gaultheria pyroloides[] and Gaultheria pyroliifolia[]. It was mistakenly originally included in Gaultheria pyroloides though it is in fact quite distinct and is closely related to Gaultheria cuneata[, ]. Further evidence has shown that the original description of Gaultheria pyroloides refers to the Japanese species, whilst Gaultheria pyroliifolia is a distinct Himalayan species[]. Gaultheria miqueliana is thus a synonym of Gaultheria pyroloides[].

Common Name: Japanese Wintergreen

General Information

Gaultheria pyroloides is an erect, rarely creeping, evergreen shrub with slender to stout, much-branched stems 10 - 30cm tall. Growing from a rhizomatous rootstock, and forming adventitious roots, the plant forms a usually tight cluster of growth[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Japan; Northern N. America - Alaska

Habitat

Coniferous woods and sub-alpine thickets[]. Alpine heath and rocky soils on mountain slopes; at elevations from 400 - 2,900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist but not boggy humus rich soil in shade or semi-shade[, ]. A peat and moisture loving species, it requires a lime-free soil[, ]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most situations[].
A very ornamental plant[]. The flowers are scented[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A sweet flavour with an aroma of wintergreen[]. The white, fleshy fruit is about 6 - 10mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a ground cover[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

The seed requires a period of cold stratification. Pre-chill for 4 - 10 weeks and then surface sow in a lime-free compost in a shady part of the greenhouse and keep the compost moist[]. The seed usually germinates well, usually within 1 - 2 months at 20°c, but the seedlings are liable to damp off. It is important to water them with care and to ensure that they get plenty of ventilation. Watering them with a garlic infusion can also help to prevent damping of[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are about 25mm tall and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter[]. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. The seedlings are susceptible to spring frosts so might need some protection for their first few years outdoors. The leaves remain very small for the first few years[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 3 - 6cm long, mid summer in a frame in a shady position. They form roots in late summer or spring[]. A good percentage usually take.
Division can be carried out at almost any time of the year, but works best in the spring just before new growth begins[]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.