Trailing Arbutus

(Epigaea repens)

Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea repens)

Evan M. Raskin

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Evan M. Raskin

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Epigaea repens, commonly known as Trailing Arbutus, is an evergreen subshrub native to the understory of deciduous and mixed forests in Eastern North America. It is a slow-growing plant that typically forms a prostrate to sprawling habit, with stems that become woody over time. The leafy twigs are covered in rust-colored hairs, contributing to its textured appearance. Trailing Arbutus is known for its pentamerous, pale pink to nearly white flowers that are highly fragrant and measure about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) across when fully open. These flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of the branches and bloom in early spring, providing one of the season’s first nectar sources for pollinators.

The plant is valued for its early spring flowers, which are among the first to appear in the garden, and its evergreen foliage, which provides year-round interest. Trailing Arbutus is often used as a ground cover in shaded garden areas, naturalized woodland settings, and rock gardens. It thrives in acidic, humus-rich soils with good moisture retention but also requires well-drained conditions to prevent root rot. While it prefers partial to full shade, it can tolerate some sun if the soil remains consistently moist. Due to its slow growth rate and difficulty in transplanting, it is not commonly found in nurseries, but it can be propagated from cuttings or division. One potential problem is susceptibility to leaf spot diseases, which can mar the foliage if conditions are too wet.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Subshrub, Shrub
Height: 0.1-0.3 feet
Width: 0.333-1 feet
Growth Rate: Slow
Flower Color: Pink, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee 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

Natural Habitat

Understory of deciduous and mixed forests in Eastern North America

Other Names

Common Names: Ground Laurel, Mayflower, Plymouth Mayflower, Trailing-Arbutus, Gravelroot, Gravel Plant, Creeping Mayflower, Ground-Laurel, Fleur De Mai, Épigée Fleur-De-Mai

Scientific Names: , Epigaea repens, Epigaea repens var. glabrifolia, Epigaea repens f. plena, Epigaea repens var. repens, Epigaea repens f. repens, Epigaea repens f. rosea, Epigaea repens f. rubicunda, Epigaea repens var. rubicunda, Epigaea rubicunda,

GBIF Accepted Name: Epigaea repens L.