Photo © Robert Moseley CLICK PHOTO FOR A LARGER IMAGE

Gaultheria hispidula (L.) Muhl.

Creeping Snowberry

Ericaceae (Heath family)

Synonym: Chiogenes hispidula T. & G.

General Description: A creeping, slender-stemmed shrub with brownish-bristly, somewhat appressed hairs on the stems, calyxes, and lower surfaces of the leaves. The leathery-textured leaves are elliptic to obovate in shape, 4-10 mm long, and have entire, revolute margins. Flowers are mostly axillary and single, and subtended by 2 ovate bracts that are longer than the calyx. The corolla is bell-shaped and deeply 4-lobed, with 8 stamens. Anthers usually have 4 very short terminal points and open by 2 large lateral pores. The berry is clear white, 3-5 mm thick, juicy, somewhat spicy, and aromatic.

Illustration:

Field Identification Tips: The creeping habit, Sphagnum habitats, white berries, and distinct brown hairs on the stem and lower leaf surface help distinguish this species.

Phenology: Flowers May-June.

Similar Species: Two other species of Gaultheria are found in northern Idaho, and are distinguished on general leaf size, flower length, and fruit color. Gaultheria humifusa has leaves 1-2 cm in length, flowers 3-4 mm long, and reddish fruits. It occurs at higher elevations than G. hispidula. Gautheria ovatifolia has ovate, acute leaves 2-4 cm in length, flowers 3.5-5 mm long, and bright red fruits. Vaccinium oxycoccos, another member of the heath family, resembles G. hispidula when flowers or fruits are lacking. It can be differentiated by the lack of brown hairs on the bottom of the leaves. In addition, it has leaves that are deep green and shining on the upper surface and grayish beneath.

Photo © Robert Moseley CLICK PHOTO FOR A LARGER IMAGE

Habitat: Bogs, especially on Sphagnum hummocks or decaying wood. Also in upland black spruce forests. In northern Idaho it occurs on a variety of substrates including downed logs, stumps, mud and bare ground, but always associated with Sphagnum mosses.

Global Distribution: The boreal region of North America from Labrador west to British Columbia, and south into northern Idaho and northeastern Washington.

Idaho Distribution: Boundary and Bonner counties, mostly in the Priest Lake area.

References:

Caicco, S. L. 1987. Field investigations of selected sensitive plant species on the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Unpublished report prepared for the Panhandle National Forests by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center, Boise. 44 pp. plus appendices.

Coupe, R., C. A. Ray, A. Comeau, M. V. Ketcheson, and R. M. Annas. 1982. A guide to some common plants of the Skeena Area, British Columbia. Land Management Handbook Number 4. Province of British Columbia Ministry of Forests. 215 pp.

Lorain (Ebrahimi), C. 1991. Rare plants on the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Unpublished pamphlet prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Idaho Panhandle National Forests, Coeur d'Alene, ID. 49 pp.

Moseley, R. K. 1989. Field investigations of 16 rare plant taxa occurring in wetlands on the Bonners Ferry Ranger District, Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Unpublished report prepared for the Panhandle National Forests by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Conservation Data Center, Boise. 75 pp. plus appendices.