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Description
Gaultheria Hispidula, commonly known as creeping snowberry or teaberry, is an evergreen shrub that is native to North America. It is a member of the Ericaceae family, which also includes blueberries and rhododendrons. This low-growing shrub typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches and a spread of 1-3 feet. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a slightly toothed margin. The flowers are small and pink or white, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit that follows is a bright red berry that persists throughout the winter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaultheria |
Appearance
Gaultheria Hispidula has a prostrate growth habit, with stems that root at the nodes to form a dense mat. The leaves are oval to lanceolate in shape, and they range in size from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. They are dark green on top and lighter green on the underside. The flowers are urn-shaped and hang downward from the stem. They are pink or white in color and measure about 1/4 inch in diameter. The fruit is a bright red berry that is about 1/4 inch in diameter.
Care Guide
Gaultheria Hispidula is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your plant healthy:- Water: Gaultheria Hispidula prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in the winter.- Fertilization: This plant doesn’t require much fertilizer. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring, but be careful not to over-fertilize.- Soil: Gaultheria Hispidula prefers acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is too alkaline, you can amend it with peat moss or sulfur.- Sunlight: This plant can tolerate partial shade to full sun, but it prefers some shade during the hottest part of the day.- Hardiness Zones: Gaultheria Hispidula is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gaultheria Hispidula is generally pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to certain problems. Here are some common issues to watch for:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. You can control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves. You can prevent it by providing good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Gaultheria Hispidula is native to North America, where it can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and rocky slopes. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade, but it can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gaultheria Hispidula deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Gaultheria Hispidula is deer-resistant.
Q: Can Gaultheria Hispidula be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Gaultheria Hispidula can be grown in containers as long as you provide it with well-draining soil and regular water.
Q: How often should I prune Gaultheria Hispidula?
A: You don’t need to prune Gaultheria Hispidula, but you can trim it back in the spring to keep it compact.
Q: Can I propagate Gaultheria Hispidula from cuttings?
A: Yes, Gaultheria Hispidula can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you might be interested in:- Gaultheria Procumbens (wintergreen)- Vaccinium Macrocarpon (cranberry)- Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi (bearberry)- Rhododendron Catawbiense (catawba rhododendron)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Gaultheria Hispidula- University of Michigan Herbarium: Gaultheria Hispidula- North Carolina State University Extension: Gaultheria Hispidula
