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Gaultheria

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Pernettya
Phonetic Spelling
gol-THAIR-ee-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Gaultherias are evergreen shrubs of about 135 species in the heather family. They are native to North and South America, Asia and Australia. They can vary from low-growing ground-hugging shrubs of 8 inches to trees up to 20 feet tall. They can be found in warm climates of South America, the Himalayas and from California to northern Canada.

Some varieties are grown as ornamentals and others as ground covers. Most of them prefer moist peaty soil and some do well in boggy conditions. Most varieties prefer part shade-to-shade conditions but some tolerate part sun conditions. The summer flowers are bell-shaped and can be showy. Some types bear showy berry-like fruits in white, pink or red colors.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Fungal spots, leaf gall, black mildew, and powdery mildew can be problems. 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#low growing#shrub#moist soil#summer flowers#bird friendly#problem for cats#berries#boggy sites#ornamental shrub
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#low growing#shrub#moist soil#summer flowers#bird friendly#problem for cats#berries#boggy sites#ornamental shrub
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gaultheria
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Has been used in Chinese medicine to treat arthritis
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    North and south America, Australia and Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Birds will eat the fruits
    Edibility:
    Some of the fruits are edible and can be used to make jellies. The American wintergreen is used for wintergreen flavoring and the leaves are used for teas.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ground Cover
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Horizontal
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit can be a round false berry or a dry capsule depending on the variety. The showy berry types can be white, pink or red.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Solitary
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Urn
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Solitary flowers in axils or clusters of bell- or urn-shaped flowers with 5 petals. The color is white to pink to red
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Vary in length from 1-4 inches long. Margins are finely serrated or bristly in most species but some are entire. They are green and leathery and vary in shape
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Stems can be gree to reddish
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Shade Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Some varieties may cause mild stomach upset.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Andromedotoxin
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Sap/Juice