ExplorePlants

white-veined wintergreen

Pyrola picta

White-veined wintergreen is a lovely plant with shiny leaves and small white flowers. It grows close to the ground and loves shady places in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The white-veined wintergreen has striking dark green, oval leaves with prominent, contrasting white or pale green veins, making them look almost marbled. Its small, waxy flowers are typically greenish-white to pinkish, nodding from a slender stalk above the foliage.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusPyrola
white-veined wintergreen
flowering trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgeevergreen trait badge
white-veined wintergreen

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Finding its tiny, bell-shaped flowers hidden on the forest floor is like a treasure hunt!

Its scientific name 'Pyrola' means 'little pear' because its leaves resemble small pear leaves!

Some Native American tribes traditionally used its leaves to make soothing remedies.

Unlike most plants, it happily grows in deep shade, needing very little direct sunlight.

Special abilities

Ability

Winter Photosynthesis

White-veined wintergreen has evergreen leaves that can photosynthesize even under snow, allowing it to grow when other plants are dormant.

Ability

Fungal Feast

White-veined wintergreen can steal nutrients from underground fungi, giving it an extra boost of food to thrive in shady forests.

Measurements & details

Height
10-30 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Deer may browse its evergreen leaves.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Bumblebees are key pollinators for its waxy flowers.

depends on

a mycorrhizal fungus

Tomentella sublilacina

The plant relies on fungi for nutrients in low light.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat any plants unless an adult says it's safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is white-veined wintergreen?

10-30 cm

How big are the flowers on white-veined wintergreen?

0.5-1 cm

When does white-veined wintergreen bloom?

Late spring to summer

Is white-veined wintergreen edible?

No

Is white-veined wintergreen toxic?

None

What is white-veined wintergreen's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is white-veined wintergreen pollinated?

Insect

Where is white-veined wintergreen usually found?

Forests

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