SafePlants

Single Delight (Moneses uniflora)

Moneses uniflora, commonly known as Single Delight, is a delicate and enchanting plant found in specific environments. Its scientific name reflects its most striking feature: a single, beautiful flower. This plant has also been referred to as One-flowered Wintergreen and One-flowered Shinleaf.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces dry capsule fruits, which might be of interest to pets if accessible.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces dry capsule fruits, which might be of interest to children if accessible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Moneses uniflora (L.) Gray
• Common Names: Single Delight, One-flowered Wintergreen, One-flowered Shinleaf, Woodnymph
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Pyrola uniflora
  • Moneses uniflora var. reticulata
  • Moneses reticulata Nutt.

Distribution and Habitat

• Moneses uniflora is indigenous to moist coniferous forests in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Eurasia.
• In North America, it can be found in states and provinces such as: AB, AK, AZ, BC, CA, CO, CT, ID, MA, MB, ME, MI, MN, MT, NB, and NH.
• Observed in specific locations like Calvert Island and Emigrant Springs State Park in northeastern Oregon.
• It thrives in montane and subalpine woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics

• Moneses uniflora is an evergreen perennial, growing to a height of approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches) and spreading to about 0.3 meters (1 foot).
• It features a solitary, waxy white, nodding flower approximately 3/4 inch across, borne on a leafless stem.
• The flower is noted for its fragrance.
• The fruit is a dry capsule.
• It is in leaf by January 12th.
• Flowering occurs from June to August.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Moneses comes from the Greek words "monos" (single) and "hesis" (delight), perfectly capturing the essence of its solitary, beautiful flower.

Further Information

• High-resolution photos can be found at Getty Images.