Pipsissewa
Chimaphila umbellata
- Native to:
- Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Canada, China, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Hungary, Japan, Kazakhstan, Krym, Kuril Is., Mexico, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Prince Edward I., Romania, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © kokanee (iNaturalist #3046538)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Chimaphila
- Species:
- Chimaphila umbellata
- USDA Symbol:
- CHUM
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Subshrub
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Exelis pyrolaria, Unicorn caterpillar moth (Schizura unicornis)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Two-form bumble bee (Bombus bifarius)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers shaded woodland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 2-3 months; germination is slow and erratic.
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * pour boiling water over milled sphagnum moss, sow seeds, enclose in plastic bag
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Butterfield Seeds (seeds)