SafePlants

Umbellate Wintergreen (Chimaphila umbellata)

Chimaphila umbellata, commonly known as Umbellate Wintergreen, Pipsissewa, or Prince's pine, is a perennial evergreen plant appreciated for its historical uses and attractive foliage.

Considerations for Pets

• Chimaphila umbellata is a small shrub.
• It is an evergreen shrub.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C. Barton
• Common Names: Umbellate Wintergreen, Pipsissewa, Prince's pine, fragrant wintergreen, ground holly, king's cure, noble prince's-pine
• Family: Ericaceae (also listed as Pyrolaceae)
• Synonyms: Mentions Chimaphila maculata (Spotted Wintergreen) as a similar species.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Found in dry woodlands and sandy soils.
• Thrives in woods and shady areas in temperate climates.
• Commonly grows throughout the US and Canada.
• Specifically mentioned as a native Adirondack wildflower.
• Also found in the Pacific Northwest and forests across to the eastern US.

Morphological Characteristics

• Evergreen shrub growing to approximately 0.4 meters (1 foot 4 inches) in height and 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) in width.
• Slow growth rate.
• Small, perennial evergreen plant.
• Possesses a creeping, white rootstock that produces several angular stems.
• Grows to be 6-12 inches tall.
• Leaves are evergreen.
• Flowers with 5 white to pink petals, 10 stamens and prominent globular.

Traditional Uses

• Historically used by Native Americans for thousands of years.
• Farmers of Appalachia would harvest and dry Pipsissewa to supplement horse feed, believed to improve the horse's coat.
• Reputed to have been widely used in Native American botanical medicine.
• Leaves were formerly used as a tonic and diuretic.

Quirky Facts

• One individual recounts "hearing" the plant while awake, suggesting a strong connection or sensory experience.
• The name "Pipsissewa" may originate from a Cree word meaning "breaks (stones in the body) into small pieces."
• Appalachian farmers used the plant to improve the coats of their horses.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Has specific mycorrhizal associations that must be retained for the plant to thrive.

Further Information

• WebMD: Offers patient medical information on Pipsissewa, including uses, effectiveness, side effects, and safety.
• Dave's Garden: A community forum for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Collins English Dictionary: Provides a definition of "pipsissewa."