The mint flavored shrub- Wintergreen Part 1

Wintergreen is a group of plants closely related to the genus Gaultheria. Wintergreen is an evergreen shrub because of the year around green foliage. The Wintergreen plant is also known as Canada Tea, Checkerberry, Chink, Mountain Tea, Hill berry, Spiceberry, Teaberry, Redberry tea, Ground berry, Box berry, Grouse berry, Ivory plum, and Red pollom. Wintergreen leaves are usually collected throughout year to be used for health purposes.

The wintergreen is found in temperate climates and in the wild can be seen growing from northern eastern Canada, west to the prairies and south to Georgia and Florida. In the wild, wintergreen can be seen growing along hedges or borders of small alleys and lanes.

The wintergreen is preferred by landscapers because it remains dark green throughout winter and produces bright red berries.

The Wintergreen plant is an evergreen, shallow creeping shrub that releases and aromatic minty smell. The shrub grows to a height of 4-8 inches. The leaves are dark green and glossy; and the blooms are small white bell shaped flower.

The wintergreen is most well known for its bright red edible cherries. While the berries are used for medical purposes, the leaves are also used to extract a variety of aromatic oils