Spotted Wintergreen

Description:

Its genus, Chimaphila, comes from Greek words meaning "winter" and "loving," referring to the plant's evergreen nature. maulata means spotted It has dark green, variegated leaves 2–7 cm in length, and 6–26 mm in width. The variegation of the leaves arises from the distinct white veins contrasted with the dark green of the leaf. The upper side of the leaf blade has obvious spots, mottles or stripes The stems emerge from creeping rhizomes. The nearly round flowers, which appear in late July to early August, are found on top of tall stalks. They are white or pinkish and are insect pollinated. The flowers mature to small (6 to 8 mm in diameter) capsules bearing the seeds of the plant, which are dispersed by the wind. For most of the year, it is identifiable by thick waxy leaves with prominent whitish midribs. In winter, the leaves have a dark, purplish color. In spring, the older dark blue-green foliage is succeeded by a whorl of younger leaves that are much paler. By early summer, the plant sends up a red stalk that bears one to three white or pinkish nodding flowers that are lightly fragrant. After fertilization, blossoms of Spotted Wintergreen turn upward 180º and develop brown capsules that often persist into the next flowering season. These capsules bear small seeds that seem to germinate especially well after wildfires that occurred commonly across the plant's natural range from Canada south throughout much of the eastern U.S. When fresh and bruised they have a peculiar odor, which is lost on drying; taste pleasantly bitter, astringent and sweetish. The spotted wintergreen can be distinguished from the similar pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) by the conspicuous white veins on its leaves. As extra incentive to let Spotted Evergreen grow unmolested, it's worth knowing that some folks are sensitive to the oils of the plant and have a dermatological response. When you go to the woods, look at it, identify it with confidence, but just don't touch the foliage.

Habitat:

Can be found in sandy habitats, well-drained upland forests, oak-pine woods, and similar mesic habitats. It is very tolerant of acidic soil.

Notes:

found in: The Rancocas Conservancy - Rancocas Creek Watershed North Branch Preserve (Pemberton Bypass) Pemberton, NJ and Neptune NJ "Wildflowers of the Pine Barrens of New Jersey", by Howard B. Boyd page 82