Ericaceae
Chimaphila umbellata

Western Prince's Pine

Short stout evergreen shrub, upright flower stem. Leaves 1–3 in., lance-shaped, in whorls on lower stem and midstem, bright shiny green, leathery, teeth most pronounced near tip. Veins do not have white borders. Flowers hang from stem tip in small cluster. Petals pinkish to red, waxy, cupped, spread. Sepals remain after bloom. Common in dense to light coniferous woods growing in leaf mold at low to high elevations throughout North America. Chimaphila comes from the Greek cheima ("winter") and philos ("loving"), in reference to the evergreen habit.

  • Rarity: Common
  • Flowering Time: All Summer
  • Life Cycle: Perennial
  • Height: 6--14 inches
  • Habitat: West-Side Forest, East-Side Forest
  • Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np
  • Native: Yes

More Information: