Uses
Edible uses
Notes
The leaves are used as a snack, being nibbled for their refreshing qualities
[1][2].
In Mexico the herb is used as a catalyst in the preparation of 'tesguino', an alcoholic beverage produced from sprouted maize
[1].
Material uses
The plants stoloniferous root system, and dwarf spreading habit make it a god ground cover, though it is a difficult plant to establish and grow well
[3].
There are no material uses listed for Chimaphila maculata.
The plant is analgesic, antibacterial, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic
[4][5][6][2]. The plant has an antiseptic influence on the urinary system and is sometimes used in the treatment of cystitis
[4]. An infusion of the plant has been drunk in the treatment of rheumatism and colds
[2]. A poultice of the root has been used to treat pain
[2] whilst the plant has also been used as a wash on ulcers, scrofula and cancers
[2]. All parts of the plant can be used, though only the leaves are officinal
[4].
The plant is loaded with the biologically active compounds arbutin, sitosterol and ursolic acid
[6]. Arbutin hydrolyzes to the toxic urinary antiseptic hydroquinone
[6].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Soil surface
Ecological Functions
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - very difficult to germinate, see the notes in cultivation details. It is best sown on moist sphagnum peat. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a shady position in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division. Rather difficult because the plant is very sensitive to root disturbance. It is best attempted in the spring as the plant comes into growth[7].
Cuttings of softwood, June in a frame. Use some soil from around an established plant
[8].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Chimaphila maculata. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Requires a light moist but well-drained lime-free soil and shade from direct sunlight
[9].
This species is difficult to propagate and grow in cultivation, mainly because it has certain mycorrhizal associations in the wild and these are necessary if the plant is to thrive[7]. It is best to use some soil collected from around an established plant when sowing seed or planting out into a new position[7].
The plant has wide-spreading fibrous feeding roots and will often die or fail to increase in size if these are disturbed.
The flowers are deliciously scented
[3].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Chimaphila maculata. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Chimaphila maculata.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Chimaphila maculata
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
References
-
? 1.01.11.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
-
? 3.03.13.2 Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. ISBN 0-7090-5440-8 (1994-00-00)
-
? 4.04.14.24.3 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
-
? 5.05.1 Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-2624-6 (1993-00-00)
-
? 6.06.16.26.3 Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. ISBN 0395467225 (1990-00-00)
-
? 7.07.17.27.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
-
? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? Cite error: Invalid
<ref> tag;
no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-204
-
? Britton. N. L. Brown. A. An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada Dover Publications. New York. ISBN 0-486-22642-5 (1970-00-00)
"image:Spotted Wintergreen flower.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.
