Wintergreen is a low, creeping evergreen shrub of acidic, shaded forest floors across eastern and boreal North America. Its bright red berries and aromatic leaves persist through winter, providing food for ruffed grouse, wild turkey, and bears. The distinctive wintergreen scent from methyl salicylate is one of the most recognizable smells of the northern forest floor.
Best time to see a Wintergreen
The best time to see a Wintergreen is February–July, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 28,901 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Wintergreen? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
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