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Common Name: Spotted Wintergreen, Striped Pipsissewa
Genus: Chimaphila maculata
Family Name: Ericaceae (Pyrolaceae)
Serendipity Ranch
Columbus, North Carolina
June 8, 2002
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The fragrant, nodding flowers have five waxy white petals and grow in a cluster on a 4- to 10-inch stem. The leaves usually grow in whorls, but may also be scattered on the stem. The leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, leathery, dark green with white stripes along the veins and midrib, and have widely spaced toothing on the edges. It may surprise you to learn that spotted wintergreen is closely related to Catawba and rosebay rhododendron. Although spotted wintergreen and the rhododendrons are very different in appearance, they all have evergreen leaves which allow them to be instantly recognized during the winter. Pipsissewa is a Creek Indian name that refers to the Indians' belief that juice from the plant could reduce bladder and kidney stones. Studies confirm that the juice has properties that increase urine flow, as well as antibiotic elements. May - October [Adams, Kevin and Casstevens, Marty, Wildflowers of the Southern Appalachians: How to Photograph and Identify Them. John F. Blair, Publisher, 1996]
January February March April May June July August September October November December
Alphabetical Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Family Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Genus Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z