Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
PLANT NAME
Pipsissewa
COMMON NAMES
Prince's Pine, Umbellate Wintergreen, Bitter Wintergreen, Rheumatism Weed
BOTANICAL NAME
Chimaphila umbellata
IDENTIFICATION
A small evergreen subshrub with whorled, waxy, sharply toothed, dark green leaves. It produces nodding, umbrella-like clusters of pinkish-white flowers in mid-summer.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Leaves and aerial parts.
CULINARY USES
Historically used as a flavoring agent in root beer and candies, similar to wintergreen, though less common today.
TRADITIONAL USES
Used as an astringent, diuretic, and tonic. Often used traditionally to treat urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and rheumatism.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Grows in dry, acidic, coniferous or mixed forest soils. Difficult to cultivate. Harvest aerial parts in late summer. Foraging must be done sustainably as it is slow-growing.
SAFETY / CAUTION
High in tannins; excessive use may cause gastrointestinal upset. Avoid during pregnancy. Contains arbutin, which can be toxic in very large amounts. Always consult your doctor before using.
RELATED PLANTS
Spotted Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata).