Gaultheria procumbens

Eastern teaberry is known for its medicinal and aromatic qualities

Gaultheria procumbens eastern teaberry

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA Add to MyPlants

Eastern teaberry is an aromatic, low evergreen shrub found in damp, cool woods with light to moderate shade in acidic soil.  The fleshy red berry fruits persist through the winter unless eaten by birds or other animals.  Bumblebees are the primary pollinators.

Teaberry was used by Native Americans for various medicinal purposes including treating of aches and pains.  The oil extracted from the plant has been added to cough drops, gum, and confectionaries.

Common in damp woods and barrens. Prefers acidic soils.

Present throughout the state.

Range: From Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to Georgia and west to Minnesota.

Wetland codes
EMP: FACU
NCNE: FACU



Flowers late June to mid August. 

Fruits September through spring.

Flowers  urn-shaped & nodding; single, borne from leaf axils on short stalks; ⅓″ in length; white corolla & white calyx; each flower has 5 stamens and a pistil with a single style

Leaves  elliptic to obovate, finely toothed, hairless or nearly so; yellowish-green when young; when mature,upper surface dark green and lower surface paler; ¾″ to 2″ long

Twigs  hairless or slightly hairy

Leafy stems  erect

Fruit  red berry; ¼″ to ⅓″ across; numerous tiny seeds

Height  up to 8″

S-rank:  S5 (Secure)
G-rank:  G5 (Secure)

Various birds and small mammals feed on the berry fruits.  The ruffed grouse eat leaves, buds and fruit. Bumblebees pollinate the flowers.

Gaultheria procumbens eastern teaberry

Plant grows in the wild/spontaneouslyPlant is native to PA
Gaultheria procumbens gallery
Plant Life-Form
low evergreen shrub
Common Names
eastern teaberry common wintergreen spreading wintergreen checkerberry boxberry