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Description
Pyrola Minor, commonly known as Lesser Wintergreen, is a perennial evergreen herb that belongs to the Ericaceae family. It is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. This plant grows up to 20 cm in height and has a rounded, basal rosette of leaves. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a waxy texture, and are approximately 3-7 cm long and 1-3 cm wide. The flowers are bell-shaped, white, and pinkish, and bloom in the summer months. The fruit is a capsule, which contains numerous small seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Pyrola |
Appearance
Pyrola Minor is a small evergreen herb that grows up to 20 cm in height. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery with a waxy texture. The flowers are bell-shaped, white, and pinkish in color, and bloom in the summer months. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous small seeds. The plant prefers moist soil and shady areas.
Care Guide
Pyrola Minor is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some guidelines for caring for this plant:Water: This plant thrives in moist soil, so it is important to keep the soil consistently moist. However, Pyrola Minor is sensitive to overwatering, so be sure not to let the soil become waterlogged.Fertilization: This plant does not require regular fertilization. However, if you notice that the leaves are yellowing or the growth is stunted, you can apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring.Soil: Pyrola Minor prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0 is ideal for this plant.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial to full shade and does not tolerate direct sunlight well.Hardiness Zones: Pyrola Minor is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pyrola Minor is generally not susceptible to many pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust. These diseases can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. Pyrola Minor is also susceptible to spider mites and aphids. These pests can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Pyrola Minor is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly found in moist, shady areas such as woodlands, bogs, and swamps. This plant prefers acidic soil and is often found growing in association with other ericaceous plants such as blueberries and rhododendrons.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pyrola Minor toxic to pets?
A: Pyrola Minor is not known to be toxic to pets.Q: Can Pyrola Minor be grown in containers?
A: Pyrola Minor can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and the plant is provided with partial to full shade.Q: Does Pyrola Minor require winter protection?
A: Pyrola Minor is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and does not require winter protection in these zones. However, if you live in a colder climate, you may want to provide some winter protection such as mulching around the base of the plant.Q: How often should Pyrola Minor be fertilized?
A: Pyrola Minor does not require regular fertilization. If necessary, a balanced fertilizer can be applied in the spring.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Pyrola genus include Pyrola Americana, Pyrola Asarifolia, Pyrola Elliptica, and Pyrola Secunda.
References
- “Pyrola Minor.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c461.
- “Pyrola Minor.” Plant Finder, www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1110/lesser-wintergreen/.
- “Pyrola.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 June 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyrola.
