#chimaphila maculata

[continent-of-wild-endeavor]

Pipsissewa in bloom

[aphermion]

Spotted wintergreen

[tendingtotheherbs]

One of my favorites that I call my forest herb.

Chimaphila maculata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate.

Other names are Spotted Wintergreen and Pipsissewa.

Native to Eastern N. America - Illinois to Michigan and Ontario, south to Texas and Georgia.

The plant is analgesic, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic. The plant has an antiseptic influence on the urinary system and is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis. An infusion of the plant has been drunk in the treatment of rheumatism and colds. A poultice of the root has been used to treat pain whilst the plant has also been used as a wash on ulcers, scrofula and cancers. All parts of the plant can be used, though only the leaves are officinal. The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid.

[vandaliatraveler]

The plant nerd in me will sleep well tonight.  Finding spotted wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) in bloom is a calming balm to a restless soul. This dreamy perennial evergreen is sadly becoming rare to endangered throughout much of its range due to habitat loss.

[cedar-glade]

Chimaphila maculata

Rich acidic woodlands and ericaceous heath belts are the perfect habitat for this classic pipsissewa member either called commonly as striped(for leaves) or spotted (for fruit) wintergreen. Chimaphila spp. in eastern US are really unique members if the Ericaceae and have very unique reflexed(bent back) non gamopetalous/sepalous  Urceolate( urn shaped synapomorphic(traits commonly found in taxinomical liniage as an outgrouping character)) flower morphology. 

[dendroica]

Spotted Wintergreen (by me)

[continent-of-wild-endeavor]

A beast of a pipsissewa - look at that leaf length!

[continent-of-wild-endeavor]

This small wooded area in my front yard has so. many. pipsissewa plants! I counted 20 in bloom, and there are many more that aren't flowering. I'd noticed them before, but hasn't realized how very many there were until they started putting up their flower stalks.

J has asked me what I intend to do with this area. I think the answer has to be "nothing", except maybe adding a couple more rhododendrons, carefully, so these little lovelies can continue to thrive.