The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Bog Wintergreen

General Information

Pyrola asarifolia is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.25 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland, south to New York, California and New Mexico.

Habitat

Wet soils of bogs, stream courses and around springs, mostly in shady areas and especially in coniferous woodlands, from the plains to around 2,700 metres in the mountains[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a moist sandy woodland soil[, ] in a cool position with partial shade[, , ]. Requires a peaty or leafy acid soil that remains moist in the summer[].
This is a very difficult plant to grow. It requires a mycorrhizal relationship in the soil and therefore needs to be grown initially in soil collected from around an established plant[]. It is also very difficult from seed as well as being intolerant of root disturbance which makes division difficult[].
This species is extremely rare and endangered in the wild[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

This plant was considered to be an effective remedy in the treatment of rheumatism[].
A decoction of the leaves, or the leaves and roots, has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes[].
A decoction of the plant has been used to treat the coughing up of blood[].
A decoction of the root has been used to treat liver complaints[].

Other Uses

Plants can be used as a ground cover when spaced about 30cm apart each way[]. They are somewhat slow to settle down though, and only form a good cover when they are growing luxuriantly[].

Propagation

Seed - the only information we have on this species is that it is difficult from seed and germinates infrequently[]. We would suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Sow it into soil collected from around an established plant, only just covering the seed, and put the pot in a shady part of a cold frame. Pot up any young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle, once again using soil from around an established plant. Plant out into their permanent positions when the plants are large enough. You should not need to use soil from around an established plant to do this since the soil in the pot will contain the necessary micorrhiza.
Division with great care in the spring[, ]. Pot up the divisions using some soil from around an established plant, grow on in a lightly shaded part of a greenhouse or frame and do not plant out until the plants are growing away vigorously[].