Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
Also listed as Pseva umbellata, Pyrola umbellata
Also known as Common Pipsissewa, Prince's Pine, Umbellate Wintergreen
Climate Match for your location
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A low-growing evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and delicate nodding pink or white flowers. Pipsissewa thrives in shaded woodland settings and spreads slowly via underground rhizomes.
Why grow it
Pipsissewa offers persistent winter interest as a native evergreen groundcover for deep shade where many ornamental options struggle. Compared to other woodland groundcovers like trailing arbutus or partridgeberry, it tolerates drier shade conditions once established and produces delicate flowers attractive to pollinators. Its slow spread makes it suitable for small spaces or mixed woodland understory plantings where aggressive spreaders would be inappropriate.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil in its native habitat; container-grown specimens may require supplemental moisture during establishment. Pipsissewa can be slow to establish from nursery stock and may take several seasons to develop a robust root system, so patience is warranted before assessing success. It typically does not perform well in full sun, hot exposures, or compacted soils, so site selection is important for long-term health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
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
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A low-growing evergreen groundcover with glossy leaves and delicate nodding pink or white flowers. Pipsissewa thrives in shaded woodland settings and spreads slowly via underground rhizomes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pipsissewa grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pipsissewa offers persistent winter interest as a native evergreen groundcover for deep shade where many ornamental options struggle. Compared to other woodland groundcovers like trailing arbutus or partridgeberry, it tolerates drier shade conditions once established and produces delicate flowers attractive to pollinators. Its slow spread makes it suitable for small spaces or mixed woodland understory plantings where aggressive spreaders would be inappropriate.
Watch out for
This species prefers consistently moist but well-draining soil in its native habitat; container-grown specimens may require supplemental moisture during establishment. Pipsissewa can be slow to establish from nursery stock and may take several seasons to develop a robust root system, so patience is warranted before assessing success. It typically does not perform well in full sun, hot exposures, or compacted soils, so site selection is important for long-term health.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Ericaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
North America
Native to: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
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
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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