Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Species:
purpurascens
ID:
696030

Status:
valid

Authors:
Kunth

Source:
cmp

Year:
1819

Citation Micro:
Nov. Gen. Sp. 3: 282 (1819)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000695363

Common Names

  • Purple Wintergreen
  • Purple Snowberry
  • Purple Gaultheria

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Synonyms

  • Brossaea purpurascens (Kunth) Kuntze [valid]

Description

Gaultheria purpurascens (also called Purple Wintergreen, among many other common names) is a small, evergreen shrub that grows to a height of up to 1 m. It is native to North America and is found in moist, acidic soils in coniferous forests. The leaves are dark green, glossy and oval-shaped with a pointed tip. The flowers are white and bell-shaped, and the fruits are small, red berries.

Uses & Benefits

Gaultheria purpurascens is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Gaultheria purpurascens has white, bell-shaped flowers that are about 1/4 inch long. The flowers are followed by small, round, purple berries. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have dark green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Gaultheria purpurascens is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with small, leathery leaves and white, bell-shaped flowers. It is native to the Himalayas and is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a cold frame in spring and cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer.

Where to Find Gaultheria purpurascens

Gaultheria purpurascens can be found in the temperate regions of North America, from Alaska to California.

Gaultheria purpurascens FAQ

What is the scientific name of Gaultheria purpurascens?

Gaultheria purpurascens

What is the common name of Gaultheria purpurascens?

Purple Wintergreen

What is the natural habitat of Gaultheria purpurascens?

Gaultheria purpurascens is found in moist woods and thickets in the eastern United States and Canada.

Species in the Gaultheria genus

Gaultheria abbreviata, Gaultheria acroleia, Gaultheria acuminata, Gaultheria adenothrix, Gaultheria akaensis, Gaultheria alnifolia, Gaultheria amoena, Gaultheria anastomosans, Gaultheria angustifolia, Gaultheria antarctica, Gaultheria antipoda, Gaultheria appressa, Gaultheria arfakana, Gaultheria atjehensis, Gaultheria barbulata, Gaultheria berberidifolia, Gaultheria blumei, Gaultheria bolivari, Gaultheria borneensis, Gaultheria bracteata, Gaultheria bradeana, Gaultheria brevistipes, Gaultheria buxifolia, Gaultheria caespitosa, Gaultheria calyculata, Gaultheria caparoensis, Gaultheria celebica, Gaultheria chiriquensis, Gaultheria codonantha, Gaultheria colensoi, Gaultheria congesta, Gaultheria cordata, Gaultheria corvensis, Gaultheria crassa, Gaultheria cuneata, Gaultheria depressa, Gaultheria dialypetala, Gaultheria discolor, Gaultheria discolor, Gaultheria domingensis, Gaultheria dumicola, Gaultheria elegans, Gaultheria erecta, Gaultheria eriophylla, Gaultheria floribunda, Gaultheria foliolosa, Gaultheria formosa, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Gaultheria glaucifolia, Gaultheria glaziovii,

Species in the Ericaceae family