Also known as American Wintergreen · Aromatic Wintergreen · Boxberry
Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) is a low-growing evergreen shrub with aromatic leaves, white bell-shaped flowers, and bright red berries.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers dappled shade or morning sun with afternoon shade.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, not waterlogged.
Acidic, Well-drained
50% intensity
Cool to Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in cooler temperatures; prefers zones 3-7.
Low
25% intensity
Light feeding in spring with acid-loving plant fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot. Deep watering is preferable to frequent shallow applications.
Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top 2-3 cm feels dry to the touch.
Prune in early spring before new growth appears to remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown stems. Minimal pruning is generally required.
You can trim back leggy growth to maintain a compact form and encourage denser foliage. Remove any winter damage as needed.
Propagate by division in early spring or autumn. Carefully lift the plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and shoots.
Alternatively, take cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a moist, well-draining medium.
Repot only when necessary, typically every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. Use a well-draining, acidic potting mix. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Repot in early spring or fall, handling the roots gently to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaultheria |
| Species | Gaultheria procumbens |
Similar in genus Gaultheria
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
