Description: I'm selling over 600 + kinds of seeds ( and also live plants during the warmer months ) so check my other auctions . You are bidding on 15 AMERICAN WINTERGREEN SEEDS - Gaultheria procumbens .( I'm also selling these as live plants during the summer , see my other items for sale )Also known as (eastern teaberry, checkerberry, boxberry ) This is a rhizomatous, creeping, woody, evergreen groundcover of the heath family that is native to woodlands in Eastern North America (Newfoundland to Manitoba south to Minnesota, Tennessee, Virginia and in the mountains to Georgia and Alabama).Erect stems clad with glossy, leathery, elliptic to oblong, dark green leaves (to 2” long) rise up from the rhizomes to 3-6” tall. Plants will spread over time to form an attractive ground cover. Waxy, nodding, bell-shaped, white flowers (3/8” long) bloom from the leaf axils in early summer (June-July).Flowers give way to edible bright red berries (3/8” diameter) that persist through winter.It favors acidic soil, in pine or hardwood forests, although it generally produces fruit only in sunnier areas .Zone: 3 to 8Height: 0.25 to 0.50 feetSpread: 0.50 to 1.00 feetBloom Time: June to JulyBloom Description: WhiteMedicinal use : leaves were widely used by the native North American Indians in the treatment of aches and pains and to help breathing whilst hunting or carrying heavy loads. An essential oil (known as "oil of wintergreen") obtained from the leaves contains methyl salicylate, which is closely related to aspirin and is an effective anti-inflammatory. This species was at one time a major source of methyl salicylate, though this is now mainly synthesized. The leaves, and the oil, are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, aromatic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, stimulant and tonic. An infusion of the leaves is used to relieve flatulence and colic. The plant, especially in the form of the essential oil, is most useful when applied externally in the treatment of acute cases of rheumatism, sciatica, myalgia, sprains, neuralgia and catarrh. The oil is sometimes used in the treatment of cellulitis, a bacterial infection that causes the skin to become inflamed. Some caution is advised, especially if the oil is used internally, since essential oil is toxic in excess, causing liver and kidney damage. It should not be prescribed for patients who are hypersensitive to salicylates (aspirin). The leaves can be gathered at any time from spring to early autumn, they are dried for use in infusions or distilled to produce the oil.Edible parts : Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is not at all insipid, it has a very strong spicy taste of germolene, just like being in a hospital waiting room. Best after a frost, the fruit hangs onto the plant until spring if it is not eaten by birds etc. The fruits can also be used in pies, or made into jams etc. The fruit is up to 15mm in diameter. Young leaves - raw. A pleasant wayside nibble if used when very young. Dry and powdery according to our taste buds. A very agreeable tea is made from the fresh leaves. A stronger tea can be made by first fermenting the bright red leaves. "Oil of wintergreen" can be distilled from this plant. It is used to flavor beer, sweets, chewing gum etc . See my store for 600+ seeds , live plants ( during the warmer months ) and over 300+ books on plants and gardening . I add new items every day and combine shipping whenever possible .
Price: 5.5 USD
Location: Beachwood, New Jersey
End Time: 2024-12-14T12:44:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1.4 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Type: wild flower
Brand: Unbranded
