Prince’s Pine

(Chimaphila umbellata)

Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila umbellata)

brewbooks

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Estimated Native Range

Summary

Chimaphila umbellata, commonly known as Prince’s Pine, is an evergreen subshrub native to coniferous and mixed forests, often found in dry, acidic soils under the canopy of pine and oak trees across the Northern Hemisphere to Guatemala. It typically grows 10–35 cm tall and features shiny, bright green, toothed leaves arranged in opposite pairs or whorls of 3–4 along the stem. The leaves are distinctive with a shallowly toothed margin, where the teeth have fine hairs at their tips. During the flowering season, which occurs in mid to late summer, Prince’s Pine produces showy white or pink flowers in a small umbel of 4–8 together, which are attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Prince’s Pine is valued for its ornamental foliage and delicate flowers, making it suitable for woodland gardens and shaded rockeries. It is also used as a flavoring in candy and soft drinks, particularly root beer. This subshrub is low-maintenance, requiring minimal water once established and thriving in well-drained, acidic soils. It prefers partial to full shade, mimicking its natural understory habitat. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, its slow growth rate and difficulty in propagation can be challenging for gardeners. It is not known to be invasive and does not have aggressive roots, but it can be sensitive to soil disturbance and changes in light conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub
Height: 0.5-1 feet
Width: 1.5-2 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Low
Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

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

Natural Habitat

native to coniferous and mixed forests, often found in dry, acidic soils under the canopy of pine and oak trees across the Northern Hemisphere to Guatemala

Other Names

Common Names: Umbellate Wintergreen, Pipsissewa, Common Pipsissewa, Common Prince’s Pine, Prince’s-Pine, Skærm-Vintergrøn, Dolden-Winterlieb, Sarjatalvikki, Chimaphile À Ombelles, Herbe À Clef

Scientific Names: , Chimaphila umbellata, Chimaphila umbellata f. americana,

GBIF Accepted Name: Chimaphila umbellata (L.) W.P.C.Barton