This member of the wintergreen family is most easily recognized by the pale coloration on the midribs of the toothed tapering leaves. These leaves are all arranged in whorls on the stem. The plant is an evergreen, often growing under conifers. The genus name is derived for the Greek words "winter" and "loving".

The flowers are waxy, fragrant and nodding, and are found in clusters at the top of a stem. Each flower is about 5/8 inch wide. There are 5 petals that curve backward, 10 stamens that form a crown in the center, and one knobby pistil The flowers may be white or pink and take several weeks to open from the bud stage.

This species reproduces by seed (especially after light wildfires) and also vegetatively from an underground stem. The plant grows 4-10 inches tall and is found in dry woodlands. Since the tree canopy is fully developed when it blooms, it is obviously shade-tolerant.

The leaves have a refreshing taste if chewed. It can be found from Michigan to Ontario and the south, especially in the highlands. It blooms from June to early August. It is also called by the common names striped wintergreen, spotted pipsissewa and prince’s pine.