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: Waxflower Shinleaf

General Information

Pyrola elliptica is a Evergreen Perennial up to 0.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Northern N. America - Newfoundland to Alaska and south to Virginia and Nebraska.

Habitat

Rich, mainly dry woods[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 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[].
The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume[].
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

The leaves have analgesic properties and were used as a poultice on bruised shins and other sores and wounds[, , ].
A tea made from the whole plant was used to treat epileptic fits in babies[, ]. A decoction of the whole plant has been used as eye drops to treat sore eyes, sties and inflamed eyelids[].
A tea made from the leaves was used as a gargle for sore throats and cankers in the mouth[, ].
A tea made from the roots is tonic[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].