Description
For this favorite wildflower with an exquisite fragrance, one must search among the fallen leaves in early spring.
Epigaea repens known as mayflower or trailing arbutus, is a low, spreading shrub in the Ericaceae family. It is found from Newfoundland to Florida, west to Kentucky and the Northwest Territories.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | mayflower,Trailing arbutus, Mayflower, Plymouth mayflower |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 0.00 to 0.25 feet |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Bloom Time | May to July |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Epigaea repens care
Germination time: at least a month. Spacing 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm). Seed grown plants will take around three years before they bloom. Transplant seedlings grown from cuttings, or nursery/ gardening centres either at the start of spring or early in autumn.
| Sunlight | Part shade to full shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | about 65F. |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Epigaea repens special feature
An evergreen ground cover that displays interesting foliage, flowers and fruit. Plant in woodland/shade gardens, under trees and in part shade areas of border fronts and rock gardens. Also effective around small ponds. Many gardeners believe this ground cover is not appropriately aggressive for large areas and is best grown in smaller sites.
Epigaea repens uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Mayflower is rarely used medicinally, even in folk medicine, though it is a strong urinary antiseptic and is one of the most effective remedies for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, bladder stones and particularly acute catarrhal cystitis
- The leaves are astringent, diuretic and tonic
- An infusion is made from the dried leaves, or a tincture from the fresh leaves
- A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of kidney disorders, stomach aches, bladder disorders etc
- It is of special value when the urine contains blood or pus
- Use with caution, the plant contains arbutin and, although this is an effective urinary disinfectant, it hydrolyzes to hydroquinone which is toxic
- The leaves can be used fresh or can be harvested in the summer and dried for later use