Gaultheria procumbens Checkerberry (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Gaultheria procumbens
Checkerberry
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Gaultheria procumbens plant species is found in Eastern N. America. Introduced and established on one site in Britain, in Scotland. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Checkerberry.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Gaultheria procumbens
Common Name:  Checkerberry
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The pure distilled essential oil is toxic in large doses[222].

Mature Height:  0.15   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Sterile woods (poor acid soils) and clearings[43, 62]. Especially found beneath evergreen trees[213].

General Uses: An essential oil is obtained from the leaves by steam distillation[2, 14, 57, 213]. In order to obtain the oil, the leaves need to be steeped for 12 - 24 hours in water[4]. The essential oil is used as a food flavouring, medicinally (the original source ot Wintergreen oil used as a linament for aching muscles) and in perfumery and toothpastes. In large doses it can be toxic[165, 244]. A good ground-cover plant for shady positions though it requires weeding for the first year or so[28, 31, 197]. Forming a dense tuft-like carpet, it roots as it spreads and should be spaced about 45cm apart each way[208].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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