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(Pyrola elliptica)
Waxflower Shinleaf (Pyrola elliptica)
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Superior National Forest
CC BY 2.0
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Superior National Forest
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Superior National Forest | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: Superior National Forest | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pyrola elliptica, commonly known as Waxflower Shinleaf, is an evergreen subshrub belonging to the heath family, native to cool, moist, shaded areas within deciduous and mixed forests across the Northeastern and Central United States, as well as parts of Canada. It typically grows 6-12 inches tall and is characterized by somewhat elliptical, glossy green leaves with petioles shorter than the blade. The plant produces clusters of delicate, 5-petaled white flowers with a slight fragrance from June through August, which are attractive to pollinators.
Waxflower Shinleaf is valued for its ornamental foliage and dainty flowers, which can add interest to woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, though it thrives best in partial to full shade. Waxflower Shinleaf prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should ensure it does not dry out. This plant is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, making it a trouble-free addition to the garden. It can also be used for its medicinal properties, as traditional uses include topical applications for pain relief.CC BY-SA 4.0
Waxflower Shinleaf is valued for its ornamental foliage and dainty flowers, which can add interest to woodland gardens, shade gardens, and naturalized areas. It is adaptable to a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, though it thrives best in partial to full shade. Waxflower Shinleaf prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should ensure it does not dry out. This plant is not commonly afflicted by diseases or pests, making it a trouble-free addition to the garden. It can also be used for its medicinal properties, as traditional uses include topical applications for pain relief.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Subshrub, Herb
- Height: 0.6-0.8 feet
- Width: 0.5-1 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow, Green, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Fragrant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to cool, moist, shaded areas within deciduous and mixed forests across the Northeastern and Central United States, as well as parts of Canada
Other Names
Common Names: Shinleaf, Shinleaf Pyrola, Elliptic Shineleaf, Wax-Flowered Shinleaf, Wax-Flowered Wintergreen, White Wintergreen, White-Flowered Wintergreen, Elliptic Shineleaf, Large-Leaved Shineleaf, Pyrole Elliptique
Scientific Names: , Pyrola elliptica, Pyrola maximowicziana, Pyrola compacta, Pyrola hybrida, Pyrola reticulata, Thelaia elliptica,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pyrola elliptica Nutt.