Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Gaultheria

Species:

Gaultheria humifusa

USDA Symbol:

GAHU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

10 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white, pink

Ground Cover:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fragrant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, well-drained, acidic soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

prefers organic-rich soils in shaded areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

30–90 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow on moist peat-based medium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI