Alpine wintergreen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alpine wintergreen |
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|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Gaultheria
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| Species: |
humifusa
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Gaultheria humifusa is a small plant known as alpine wintergreen or alpine spicy wintergreen. It is a type of shrub that belongs to the heath family. This plant grows low to the ground and is often found in cool, moist mountain areas.
Contents
About Alpine Wintergreen
Alpine wintergreen is a tiny plant that spreads out. It often forms flat patches on the ground. You might find it growing among rocks or fallen leaves. Its stems are usually less than 20 cm (7.9 in) (about 8 inches) long.
Where Alpine Wintergreen Grows
This plant is native to western North America. You can find it from British Columbia in Canada all the way south to California. It also grows eastward into Colorado. It prefers moist subalpine mountain forests. These are forests found at high elevations, just below the treeline.
What Alpine Wintergreen Looks Like
The leaves of Gaultheria humifusa are small and oval-shaped. They are usually about 1 to 2 cm (0.39 to 0.79 in) long. The plant produces single, bell-shaped flowers. These flowers can be white or light pink. They have bright golden parts inside called anthers. After the flowers are pollinated, they turn into small, round fruits. These fruits look like berries and can be bright red or a duller red color.
Uses of Alpine Wintergreen
Both the leaves and the berry-like fruits of Gaultheria humifusa are edible. This means you can safely eat them.
