SafePlants

Little Prince's Pine (Chimaphila menziesii)

Chimaphila menziesii, commonly known as little prince's pine, is a perennial wildflower belonging to the heath family (Ericaceae). It is also known as Menzies' pipsissewa, Pipsissewa, or Western Prince's Pine.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves have small sharp teeth.

Considerations for Children

• The leaves have small sharp teeth.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chimaphila menziesii (R. Br. ex D. Don) Spreng.
• Family: Ericaceae (Heath), formerly Pyrolaceae
• Synonyms: Menzies' pipsissewa, Pipsissewa, Western Prince's Pine

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States and British Columbia.
• Often found in coniferous forests and open pine forests.
• Observed in locations such as the Siskiyou Mountains west of Grants Pass, Oregon, the Mendonoma Coast, Cone Peak, Cascade Mountains, Oregon, Iron Mountain Special Interest Area, Willamette National Forest, Oregon, and Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, Plumas National Forest, Near Quincy, Plumas Co., Calif.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herb, evergreen, erect shrub.
• Stems typically grow to 15 cm (approximately 6 inches) but can reach 10-30cm.
• Stems are reddish and mostly unbranched.
• Leaves are lance-like to linear, widest at or below their midlength, bluish-green, with an acute apex and rounded base, and possess small sharp teeth.
• Flowers are white and waxy, crown-like, becoming pinkish with age; typically 1 to 3 flowers on pedicels.
• Blooms occur from June to August.

Quirky Facts

• Both the common names refer to this plant resembling a smaller version of umbellata.
• The plant is named after Archibald Menzies.

Further Information

• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• USDA
• Dave's Garden