Gaultheria Ovatifolia: A Detailed Encyclopedia of Plants
Contents
Description
Contents
Description
Gaultheria Ovatifolia, commonly known as the Oregon wintergreen, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. Native to the western part of North America, this plant is known for its shiny, oval-shaped leaves that are dark green in color and grow up to 2 inches long. It produces small white or pinkish flowers that bloom in late spring or early summer and red berries that are edible but not very flavorful.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Gaultheria |
Appearance
Gaultheria Ovatifolia is a low-growing shrub that typically reaches a height of 6-12 inches and a spread of 12-18 inches. Its leaves are glossy and leathery, with a slightly serrated edge. The plant produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are white or pinkish in color and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers bloom in late spring or early summer and are followed by bright red berries that ripen in the fall. The berries are edible but not very flavorful.
Care Guide
Gaultheria Ovatifolia is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:Water: Gaultheria Ovatifolia prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Gaultheria Ovatifolia does not require much fertilizer. If you want to fertilize the plant, use a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Gaultheria Ovatifolia prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. If your soil is not acidic enough, you can add peat moss or sulfur to lower the pH.Sunlight: Gaultheria Ovatifolia prefers partial to full shade. It can tolerate some sun, but too much sun can damage the leaves.Hardiness Zones: Gaultheria Ovatifolia is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gaultheria Ovatifolia is not usually affected by pests or diseases. However, here are some potential problems to watch out for:Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown or black spots on the leaves.Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can cause the plant to wilt and die.Mites: Mites can sometimes infest Gaultheria Ovatifolia, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
Habitat
Gaultheria Ovatifolia is native to the western part of North America, where it can be found growing in moist, shady areas such as forests, meadows, and stream banks. It prefers acidic soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Gaultheria Ovatifolia toxic?A: No, Gaultheria Ovatifolia is not toxic. The berries are edible but not very flavorful.Q: How often should I water Gaultheria Ovatifolia?A: Water Gaultheria Ovatifolia regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Gaultheria Ovatifolia?A: Gaultheria Ovatifolia is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.Q: Can I grow Gaultheria Ovatifolia in a container?A: Yes, Gaultheria Ovatifolia can be grown in a container as long as the container has good drainage and the plant is watered regularly.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Gaultheria Ovatifolia:- Gaultheria Shallon (Salal)- Gaultheria Procumbens (Wintergreen)- Gaultheria Hispidula (Creeping Snowberry)
References
– “Gaultheria ovatifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286642.- “Gaultheria ovatifolia.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science, powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:303687-2.
