Teaberry / Groundcover Berry 'Big Berry' (Gaultheria procumbens)
125 SEK
Unit price perTeaberry / Wintergreen berry of the variety 'Big Berry' in a small pot
Teaberry is self-fertile; only one plant is needed for fruiting.
Common names: Teaberry, Wintergreen berry, Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen, Canada Tea
Scientific name: Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Heath family
Plant history & use:
Teaberry, or Wintergreen berry, is a very unique plant originating from North America. The shrub got its name from its leaves, which were used by Native American tribes to make a healing tea. Even today, methyl salicylate is extracted from the plant for use in medicines that relieve pain and inflammation.
For some, however, the berries are the most interesting part of this shrub; they have a flavor identical to Jenka chewing gum. The taste is fresh, and the berries leave a mild and fresh, lightly minty aftertaste in the mouth. The flavor of, among others, Jenka, various kinds of toothpaste, and mouthwash comes from Gaultheria procumbens – the teaberry. The berries grow up to 15 mm in diameter.
The leaves contain methyl salicylate, a substance still used today in muscle pain-relieving ointments both for its pleasant scent and soothing effect. Methyl salicylate is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in most of our pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Methyl salicylate is also used to flavor chewing gum and sweets. In addition, methyl salicylate is used in mouthwash due to its antiseptic effect and, again, its pleasant scent. Some of the most common mouthwashes available in stores today have a flavor derived from G. procumbens.
An essential oil is also made from the leaves and berries. The oil can be used to flavor desserts and drinks.
Used to make American root beer.
To make a cup of tea from the leaves: Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 20 minutes. It is recommended not to drink more than a total of 2 tablespoons at a time, and a maximum of one cup per day. The measure for one cup of tea is 2-3 dl water to 1 teaspoon of leaves.
Teaberry is an evergreen plant, and its berries remain ready to be picked throughout the winter.
An effective ground cover that easily covers the desired area over time. Classified as an efficient gatherer of nutrients in the soil, the nutrients accumulate in the leaves, which is why it can also be used as an effective perennial green manure crop.
Cultivation:
Acid soil plant. Hardy down to -35ºC. Produces most berries in predominantly sunny locations. However, it is adapted to thrive very well in shady to half-shady places as it often grows as ground cover in oak, beech, and coniferous forests. Well-drained, moisture-retentive, and slightly gravelly soil with low pH is optimal. It manages well in dry soils once established.
Spreads by underground runners and can form a nice ground-covering mat in the right place. If desired to be grown as ground cover, plant seedlings about 50 cm apart.
Can be propagated by cuttings from current year shoots.
Characteristics:
Longevity: Perennial
Growing position: half-shade / shade
Height: 10-20 cm
Hardiness zone: 1-4
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Teaberry / Groundcover Berry 'Big Berry' (Gaultheria procumbens)
125 SEK
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125 SEK
Unit price perTeaberry / Wintergreen berry of the variety 'Big Berry' in a small pot
Teaberry is self-fertile; only one plant is needed for fruiting.
Common names: Teaberry, Wintergreen berry, Checkerberry, Eastern teaberry, Teaberry, Creeping Wintergreen, Canada Tea
Scientific name: Gaultheria procumbens
Family: Heath family
Plant history & use:
Teaberry, or Wintergreen berry, is a very unique plant originating from North America. The shrub got its name from its leaves, which were used by Native American tribes to make a healing tea. Even today, methyl salicylate is extracted from the plant for use in medicines that relieve pain and inflammation.
For some, however, the berries are the most interesting part of this shrub; they have a flavor identical to Jenka chewing gum. The taste is fresh, and the berries leave a mild and fresh, lightly minty aftertaste in the mouth. The flavor of, among others, Jenka, various kinds of toothpaste, and mouthwash comes from Gaultheria procumbens – the teaberry. The berries grow up to 15 mm in diameter.
The leaves contain methyl salicylate, a substance still used today in muscle pain-relieving ointments both for its pleasant scent and soothing effect. Methyl salicylate is closely related to acetylsalicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in most of our pain-relieving, fever-reducing, and anti-inflammatory medicines.
Methyl salicylate is also used to flavor chewing gum and sweets. In addition, methyl salicylate is used in mouthwash due to its antiseptic effect and, again, its pleasant scent. Some of the most common mouthwashes available in stores today have a flavor derived from G. procumbens.
An essential oil is also made from the leaves and berries. The oil can be used to flavor desserts and drinks.
Used to make American root beer.
To make a cup of tea from the leaves: Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 20 minutes. It is recommended not to drink more than a total of 2 tablespoons at a time, and a maximum of one cup per day. The measure for one cup of tea is 2-3 dl water to 1 teaspoon of leaves.
Teaberry is an evergreen plant, and its berries remain ready to be picked throughout the winter.
An effective ground cover that easily covers the desired area over time. Classified as an efficient gatherer of nutrients in the soil, the nutrients accumulate in the leaves, which is why it can also be used as an effective perennial green manure crop.
Cultivation:
Acid soil plant. Hardy down to -35ºC. Produces most berries in predominantly sunny locations. However, it is adapted to thrive very well in shady to half-shady places as it often grows as ground cover in oak, beech, and coniferous forests. Well-drained, moisture-retentive, and slightly gravelly soil with low pH is optimal. It manages well in dry soils once established.
Spreads by underground runners and can form a nice ground-covering mat in the right place. If desired to be grown as ground cover, plant seedlings about 50 cm apart.
Can be propagated by cuttings from current year shoots.
Characteristics:
Longevity: Perennial
Growing position: half-shade / shade
Height: 10-20 cm
Hardiness zone: 1-4
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