Eastern Teaberry
Gaultheria procumbens
Also listed as Brossaea procumbens, Gaultheria humilis
Also known as Wintergreen, Checkerberry, Teaberry
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Teaberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small glossy leaves and delicate white or pink bell-shaped flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries and aromatic foliage that smells of wintergreen when crushed.
Why grow it
Eastern teaberry offers year-round foliage and a reliable berry crop in shaded understory positions where many ornamental groundcovers struggle. Compared to other low-growing evergreens like pachysandra or vinca, it provides the additional benefit of edible berries and aromatic foliage, making it useful in permaculture systems that prioritize multiple yields. It tolerates acidic, well-drained soils typical of woodland edges and performs well as a native understory layer in temperate regions.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and afternoon shade in warmer climates, as full sun exposure can scorch foliage during hot summers. Establishment can be slow in the first year, so mulching and regular watering during dry spells will improve success rates. It spreads gradually via rhizomes, so site placement should account for its eventual spread rather than assuming it will remain tightly contained.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with small glossy leaves and delicate white or pink bell-shaped flowers in late spring, followed by bright red berries and aromatic foliage that smells of wintergreen when crushed.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Teaberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Eastern teaberry offers year-round foliage and a reliable berry crop in shaded understory positions where many ornamental groundcovers struggle. Compared to other low-growing evergreens like pachysandra or vinca, it provides the additional benefit of edible berries and aromatic foliage, making it useful in permaculture systems that prioritize multiple yields. It tolerates acidic, well-drained soils typical of woodland edges and performs well as a native understory layer in temperate regions.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistent moisture and afternoon shade in warmer climates, as full sun exposure can scorch foliage during hot summers. Establishment can be slow in the first year, so mulching and regular watering during dry spells will improve success rates. It spreads gradually via rhizomes, so site placement should account for its eventual spread rather than assuming it will remain tightly contained.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.