Conditionally edibleMedicinal notesNative
Eastern Teaberry (Wintergreen)
Gaultheria procumbens · Ericaceae
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Safety first
Contains methyl salicylate — caution if sensitive to aspirin-like compounds. Tiny harvests only.
Educational field guide only. Never eat a wild plant without 100% confident identification. Not medical or legal advice.
About
Low evergreen of acidic woods. Classic wintergreen aroma; red berries persist.
Harvest calendar
Months: Jan · Feb · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec
Seasons: Fall, Winter, Year-round
Parts used: leaves, berries
Habitat & skill
Habitats: Conifer / mixed woods, Deciduous forest, Dune & Great Lakes shore
Difficulty: moderate
Identification
Shiny evergreen leaves; white urn flowers; red berries; wintergreen scent.
Harvest notes
Leaves year-round; berries fall–winter when ripe.
Preparation
Tea from leaves; berries as small nibble.
Stewardship
Slow-growing — minimal harvest.
Traditional / medicinal notes
Educational context only — not medical advice. Aromatic traditional tea; salicylate caution applies.