ExplorePlants

Eastern Teaberry

Gaultheria procumbens

Eastern Teaberry is a small plant with shiny green leaves and bright red berries. It grows close to the ground and loves shady spots in the forest. The berries are sweet and can be used to make tasty treats!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Eastern Teaberry is a low-growing plant with shiny, dark green leaves that often turn reddish-purple in winter. Its small, white or pale pink, bell-shaped flowers bloom in summer, followed by bright red, round berries that persist through the colder months.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusGaultheria
Eastern Teaberry
aromatic trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Eastern Teaberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even when covered by snow, its green leaves continue to make food for the plant!

Its berries have a surprising minty, sweet taste, like a forest candy!

Native Americans once used its crushed leaves as a natural pain reliever.

The famous 'wintergreen' flavor in candies and toothpaste comes from this plant!

Special abilities

Ability

Evergreen Armor

Eastern Teaberry has tough, waxy leaves that stay green all year, helping it make food even in winter!

Ability

Minty Magic

This plant produces a special minty oil in its leaves that helps protect it from hungry nibblers.

Ability

Winter Snack Bar

Its bright red berries stay on the plant through winter, providing food for animals when other snacks are scarce.

Measurements & details

Height
5-15 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

eats leaves and twigs

eaten by

Wild Turkey

Meleagris gallopavo

eats its berries

eaten by

Ruffed Grouse

Bonasa umbellus

eats its berries

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

collects nectar from flowers

Traits

Also known as

Wintergreen

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always check with an adult before tasting any berries or plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Eastern Teaberry?

5-15 cm

How wide does Eastern Teaberry spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on Eastern Teaberry?

0.5-1 cm

When does Eastern Teaberry bloom?

Late spring to mid-summer

Is Eastern Teaberry edible?

Yes

Is Eastern Teaberry toxic?

Mild

What is Eastern Teaberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Eastern Teaberry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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