Striped Wintergreen
chimaphila maculata
Also known as: ["Striped Prince's Pine","Striped Pipsissewa"]
Overview
A small, evergreen perennial herb native to eastern North America, known for its distinctive white-striped leaves and white to pinkish flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Pyrolaceae |
| Genus: | Chimaphila |
| Botanical Name: | Chimaphila maculata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shady woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain moderate humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Acidic, well-draining, humus-rich soil similar to woodland conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; remove only dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade with bright, indirect light for 4–6 hours daily. Adjust to dappled sunlight in hotter months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light; protect from intense midday sun; place in a shaded garden bed or under taller plants for natural filtering.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogging; ensure good drainage.
Soil
well-drained, acidic, humus-rich soil
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Use acidic soil mix; ensure drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Prefers cooler conditions and can tolerate mild frosts.
Protect from extreme heat; maintain moderate temps; avoid sudden fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months with balanced liquid fertilizer during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize only during active growth; avoid contact with roots.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common, though slow. Division of established clumps can also be attempted.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- For seeds: collect and sow fresh.
- Keep moist and shaded. For division: carefully separate clumps and replant immediately.
Best Time: Spring, when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Shaded, humid environment with consistent moisture and cool temperatures.
Medium
Seed: well-drained, acidic soil mix; Division: existing garden soil or potting mix with added perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds or division.
Timeline
Seeds may take 1–2 years to germinate and establish; division can produce new plants in 1 season.
Tools Needed
Hand trowel, pruners, seed trays, or small pots.
Quick Tips
Use fresh seeds; maintain high humidity for seeds; divide only mature clumps.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems at the base with clean cuts to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; focus on removing dead or damaged growth to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Clean tools; remove dead growth; avoid over-pruning; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before active growth starts.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant, trim any dead roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining acidic soil with added organic matter.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil degrades. Generally, repotting every 2–3 years is sufficient.
Checklist
Prepare new pot; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water at the base; avoid wetting foliage; ensure drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow absorption, ensuring even moisture without saturating the soil. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add peat moss, pine bark, or leaf mold to increase acidity and organic content; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth and may cause leaf drop, but the plant is generally cold-hardy and can survive light frosts.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; avoid overwatering in cold; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below freezing.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Increase shade, provide consistent moisture, and improve air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if they ingest Chimaphila maculata. The plant is not highly toxic to felines, but ingestion should be avoided.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Chimaphila maculata can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The plant is not considered highly toxic, but care should be taken to prevent pets from consuming it.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicChimaphila maculata contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not severe but can be unpleasant, particularly in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the ideal growing environment for Chimaphila maculata?
A: It thrives in acidic, well-drained, humus-rich soils in partial shade, typically found in woodland settings.
Q: Does Chimaphila maculata have any medicinal uses?
A: Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine, though its efficacy and safety are not well-documented.
Q: How does Chimaphila maculata reproduce?
A: It reproduces by seeds and vegetative spread, often forming colonies in suitable habitats.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pyrolaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
