Description
Chimaphila umbellata is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a slow rate.
Chimaphila umbellata is a small perennial flowering plant found in dry woodlands, or sandy soils. It is native throughout the cool temperate Northern Hemisphere.
Plant Specifications
Common Name | Chim,Chimaphila umbellata (Umbellate Wintergreen, Pipsissewa, or Princes pine) |
Maximum Reachable Height | 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) |
Flower Colour | Pink. |
Bloom Time | July to August |
Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Deadhead to prolong flowering.Maintain moderate soil moisture and fertilize lightly.plant will die with the first frost.
Chimaphila umbellata care
Growing plants can be inexpensive, particularly when growing them from seed. Seeds of plants flowers should usually be sown directly into the sunny flower bed, as developing roots do not like to be disturbed
Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
Watering | Medium |
Soil | well-drained soil |
Temperature | 40F |
Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Chimaphila umbellata special feature
The leaves are nibbled177, brewed into a tea or used as a flavouring in root beer. They have a delicious scent and flavour. An extract of the leaves is used to flavour candy and soft drinks. In Mexico the herb is used in the preparation of navaitai, an alcoholic beverage produced from sprouted maize. A tea can be made from an infusion of the stems and roots.
Chimaphila umbellata uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Pipsissewa was much used by many tribes of native North American Indians to induce sweating and treat fevers, including typhus254, 257
- The plant contains hydroquinones which have a pronounced disinfectant effect within the urinary tract and modern day herbalism mainly employs the plant to treat urinary problems such as cystitis and urethritis254