Moneses uniflora, commonly known as one-flowered wintergreen or wood nymph, is a perennial herb that is native to the cool, moist understory of boreal forests, temperate coniferous forests, and mountain woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It typically grows to a modest height of up to 4 inches (10 cm) and is characterized by its single, nodding white flower that appears from late spring to early summer. The flower is notably fragrant and, despite its lack of nectar, is still visited by bees which are attracted to its scent and the pollen it provides. The plant’s leaves are evergreen, glossy, and basal, forming a low rosette.

One-flowered wintergreen is valued for its delicate beauty and sweet-smelling flower, making it a charming addition to shade gardens and woodland plantings. It is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance, as it requires minimal care once established in the right conditions. In cultivation, Moneses uniflora prefers cool, shaded environments with moist, well-drained, acidic soil rich in organic matter. It is often used as a ground cover in shaded areas and is also suitable for naturalistic plantings and rock gardens. While it has historical medicinal uses, it is not commonly used for such purposes in modern herbalism. Gardeners should note that it can be slow to establish and may not compete well with more aggressive plants.CC BY-SA 4.0