Gaultheria procumbens
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 Gaultheria procumbens in Hammond, Indiana
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| Gaultheria procumbens L. |
Gaultheria procumbens, also known as the Eastern Teaberry, Checkerberry, Boxberry and American Wintergreen, is a small shrub native to northeastern North America. It is low-growing, typically reaching 10–15 cm tall. The leaves are evergreen, elliptic to ovate, 2–5 cm long and 1–2 cm broad, with a distinct oil of wintergreen scent. The flowers are bell-shaped, 6–8 mm long, white, borne solitary or in short racemes. The fruit is an edible red berry 8–15 mm diameter.
The species is endangered in parts of its native range.
While most people, even those living in the mid-Atlantic United States, have never tasted teaberry, somewhat more have tried Clark's Teaberry chewing gum, which is faithful to the taste of the berry. Traditionally it was common to pick and chew a leaf much as one would chew gum.
Teaberry is also an ice cream flavor in regions where the plant grows. It is also used as the flavor of Wrigley's popular Winterfresh chewing gum.
In order for the leaves to produce more than a whiff of the minty methyl-salicylate, they need to be fermented in warm water for several days before drinking.
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 19th century illustration |
