We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Gardening

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Teaberry?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 21,546
Share

Teaberry or Gaultheria procumbens is an aromatic shrub which grows close to the ground, with a spreading growth habit which leads many gardeners to use it as a groundcover. It is native to the Northeastern regions of North America, and can be grown in USDA zones three through eight. In addition to being aromatic and pleasant to look at, teaberry is also a source of oil of wintergreen, an aromatic essential oil produced by several plant families.

The leaves of the teaberry are oval, glossy, and dark green. The plant produces small white bell-shaped flowers which mature into bright red berries in the fall and winter. Teaberries remain evergreen, which can be appealing in cold climates where many plants are deciduous, as the teaberry can provide a nice blanket of green color, as long as it isn't covered in snow.

Oil of wintergreen has a very distinct, sharp odor. It has been used historically in scenting candles, incense, and potpourri, and it is also used to flavor gum. Teaberry gum is especially popular in Tennessee and Kentucky, and it is usually available through candy stores which specialize in old fashioned and nostalgic candies. Some liniments and candies are also scented with wintergreen, as are toothpastes and other personal care products.

As the name would suggest, teaberry leaves can also be steeped to make an herbal tisane. The steeping must generally be prolonged, as otherwise the plant will not release enough of the oil of wintergreen for the scent to be noticeable. Some people find teaberry tisanes useful for colds and coughs, while others simply enjoy the brisk scent. Oil of wintergreen can be toxic in large quantities, but teaberry tisane generally does not contain enough wintergreen to be a matter of concern.

If you want to grow teaberry in your garden, select a spot which is in full or partial shade, and make sure that the soil is loamy. If the soil is heavy or dense, amend it with mulch so that the plant will have loose soil to grow in. Teaberries prefer soil with a neutral pH, and they like well-drained areas. Teaberries do not have heavy water demands, making them suitable for people who are trying to maintain low water gardens, and they can also be shaped with pruning and careful training to create low hedges or neat groundcovers.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-is-a-teaberry.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.