Checkerberry

Common name: Checkerberry (Teaberry; Wintergreen)

Scientific name: Gaultheria procumbens

Dimensions:
  Flower: 1/4-3/8" (6-9 mm) long
  Plant height: Creeper, branches 2-6" (5-15 cm)

Blooming period: July-August

Habitat: Dry or moist woods in acid soil

Description: White, bell-shaped nodding waxy flowers, singly or in groups of 2-3 in leaf axils on erect stems; corolla with 5 rounded lobes. Evergreen leaves 1-2" (2.5-5 cm) long, oval, dark green and shiny, slightly toothed, fragrant, smelling of winter- green when crushed. Plants with creeping underground stems and upright flowering branches. Leaves and bright red, pulpy, berry-like fruit edible, tasting of wintergreen. Heath family. (August 2)