round-leaved wintergreen

Round-leaved wintergreen, scientifically known as Pyrola americana, is a type of wintergreen plant characterized by its small, broadly elliptical or round leaves. Wintergreens are evergreen, aromatic plants belonging to the heath family, Ericaceae.12

The genus Pyrola, which includes round-leaved wintergreen, is commonly called shinleaf and is found in the North Temperate Zone. These plants are perennials with leaves typically forming a rosette at the base of the stem. They produce flowers in a terminal spike. The flowers of P. americana are white with widely spread petals.2

Another notable wintergreen is Gaultheria procumbens, also known as teaberry or checkerberry. This species has thick, shining, toothed leaves and produces bright red, berry-like fruits. The oil derived from Gaultheria procumbens leaves is known as oil of wintergreen and is used for flavoring and in medicinal applications.2