Prince’s Pine
(Chimaphila umbellata)
Prince’s Pine (Chimaphila umbellata)
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brewbooks
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: brewbooks | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: brewbooks | Publisher: Flickr
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
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
Coniferous and mixed forests
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