Gaultheria procumbens, commonly known as Wintergreen or Eastern Teaberry, is an evergreen plant notable as the original source of oil of wintergreen flavoring. Several species in other genera share a common name with Wintergreen. Betula lenta — the Wintergreen Tree — and various Gaultheria species also produce oil of wintergreen. But G. procumbens is the plant most commonly thought of as Wintergreen.
The wintergreen flavoring found today in gum, toothpaste, breath fresheners, and medicine no longer comes from Wintergreen itself. These products contain synthesized methyl salicylate, the oil's active ingredient.
Wintergreen's other common name of Eastern Teaberry remains applicable. Methyl salicylate is a compound similar to aspirin, and Wintergreen has been used historically to make headache-calming teas. If left to ferment for several days, this tea would be used as a more potent pain medicine.
Wintergreen provides excellent ground cover for well drained, acidic soils. It is a small plant, rarely achieving a height of more than six inches. Its berries begin as small, bell-shaped, pink and white flowers that show five-petal blooms in summer.
In spring, Wintergreen leaves are bronze-colored, tender, and edible. They toughen in summer, turning a dark green, and emit the familiar wintergreen aroma when broken. Wintergreen is a nice autumn ornamental, as its leaves become red or purple in colder regions.
Oil of wintergreen can be toxic and should not be ingested in large amounts. However, both the leaves and berries can be eaten. The berries are more flavorful, but should be eaten fresh for best taste.