Organic Forest Plants & More

Teaberry (Ericaceae Gaultheria procumbens L.)

Edible Landscaping

Teaberry

Zones: 4 - 8

Duration: Evergreen perennial

Growth Habit: Ground cover, shrub, subshrub

Mature Size: Small ground cover 0.5"

Flowers: Yes, white.

Fruit: Yes, red.

Common alternate names for teaberry:  Checkerberry, checker berry, box berry

Scientific name for teaberry:  Ericaceae Gaultheria procumbens L.

Planting Information:Course to medium soils, drought tolerant, low water usage.

Colors: Green, dark green, white flowers, red berries.

Edible - food uses of teaberry:  As the name suggests, teaberry leaves can also be steeped to make an herbal tea.  The fruit is edible and can be used for pies and jams.

Healing medicinal qualities of teaberry: The leaves can be used to create very strong salycilate (active ingredient in aspirin).

General description and characteristics of teaberry:

Teaberry is an amazing edible evergreen perennial ground cover in the wintergreen family.  Teaberry has a wide variety of useful properties including herbal teas, edible fruit, flavoring and even making aspirin.  The showy red fruits may last through winter.

The teaberry leaves are oval, glossy, and dark green . The plant produces small white bell-shaped flowers which mature into bright red berries summer through winter.

You may remember Clark's Teaberry Gum from your childhood.  Teaberry has a unique and unforgettable aroma and flavor.

Oil of wintergreen has a very distinct, sharp odor. It has been used historically in scenting candles, incense, and potpourri.

Easy care teaberries do not have heavy water demands, making them suitable for people who are trying to maintain low water gardens.

Many gardeners consider teaberry a must for winter gardens.

During the cold days of late winter teaberry is a treat to the eyes with its deep, dark-green leaves and  scarlet berries. In a garden setting this evergreen prefers shade, accepting the morning sun.

In the garden situation they will form a thick, substantial ground cover. Once established they are relatively trouble free with the only required maintenance of keeping garden debris from covering the mats.