Teaberry

Tea Berry

Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens):

The teaberry is a small shrub with evergreen leaves, berries, and white bell-shaped flowers. The leaves have a distinct wintergreen aroma and the berries also taste like mint. The fruit and green leaves both persist through the winter. Teaberry is a favorite food of the eastern chipmunk, and is also eaten by other species including wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and red foxes.

Teaberry has been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans. The plant has oils that are closely related to aspirin. The leaves were used to make tea to treat kidney disorders as well. The plant is edible to both humans and animals.

Katrina BergmanTeaberry