Striped Prince’s Pine

(Chimaphila maculata)

Striped Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila maculata)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Chimaphila maculata, commonly known as Striped Prince’s Pine, is an evergreen subshrub native to dry pine barrens and deciduous forests, often found in the understory in the Southeastern USA, extending into Central America. It typically grows 10–25 cm (4–10 in) tall and is characterized by its variegated leaves, which have a distinctive white stripe down the center, adding year-round visual interest. The nearly round flowers, which appear in late July to early August, are white or pinkish and are insect-pollinated. These flowers are modest in size but can be quite showy due to their contrast against the dark foliage. The flowers mature to small capsules, 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) in diameter, bearing seeds that are dispersed by the wind.

Striped Prince’s Pine is valued for its ornamental foliage and is used in shaded rock gardens, woodland gardens, and as ground cover in areas with appropriate conditions. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established, preferring acidic, well-drained soils. It thrives in part shade to full shade and needs consistent moisture, although it can tolerate medium amounts of water. While it is not commonly affected by serious pests or diseases, its main cultivation challenge is its slow growth rate and difficulty in propagation, as it does not transplant well. Gardeners should be aware that this plant may not compete well with more aggressive species.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Subshrub
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Brown, Pink, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Dry pine barrens and deciduous forests, often found in the understory

Other Names

Common Names: Spotted Pipsissewa , Striped Wintergreen , Spotted Pipsissewa , Ratsbane , Rheumatism Root , Spotted-Wintergreen , Striped Prince’s-Pine , Mottled Pipsissewa , Spotted Wintergreen , Striped Prince’s-Plume , Chimaphile Maculée

Scientific Names: Chimaphila maculata , Chimaphila maculata subsp. maculata , Pyrola maculata , Chimaphila maculata var. maculata , Chimaphila guatemalensis , Chimaphila dasystemma , Chimaphila maculata var. dasystemma , Chimaphila maculata var. acuminata , Chimaphila acuminata , Chimaphila costaricens

GBIF Accepted Name: Chimaphila maculata (L.) Pursh