Appearance
It has dark green, variegated leaves 2–7 cm in length, and 6–26 mm in width. The variegation of the leaves arises from the distinct white veins contrasted with the dark green of the leaf.The stems emerge from creeping rhizomes, growing 10–25 cm tall. The nearly round flowers, which appear in late July to early August, are found on top of tall stalks. They are white or pinkish and are insect pollinated. The flowers mature to small in diameter) capsules bearing the seeds of the plant, which are dispersed by the wind.
Chimaphila maculata Snowbird Mountain.jpg|Flowering on Snowbird Mountain
Chimaphila maculata, spotted wintergreen, Howard County, MD, Helen Lowe Metzman 2017-06-20-13.46.jpg|Close-up of the flower
Status
Spotted wintergreen is endangered in Canada, as there are four living populations in southern Ontario, and there is one extremely small extant population in Quebec.It is endangered in Illinois and Maine. In New York it is considered Exploitably Vulnerable.
Habitat
It can be found in sandy habitats, well-drained upland forests, oak-pine woods, and similar mesic habitats. It is very tolerant of acidic soil.
Evolution
"The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' – which means 'breaks into small pieces' – after the supposed ability to break down gallstones and kidney stones.... Native Americans used its leaf tea to treat rheumatism and stomach problems, and crushed leaves were applied as a poultice to sores and wounds."References:
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