Pipsissewa
Chimphila umbellata
(also known as Prince’s pine, Wintergreen, Waxflower)
zones 4-8
5 seed capsules
Pipsissewa is a charming evergreen plant found growing on the floor of cool, shady coniferous forests. Once established, it will spread slowly by creeping rhizomes. It is a low-growing plant, remaining below 6” in height with flower stalks not usually taller than 12”. The leaves are oblong and sharply toothed, shiny on top. The saucer-shaped flowers are pink and fragrant, appearing June-August. Each flower holds a 5-lobed ovary in the center. This seed-containing ovary remains on the plant after flowers fade, providing seasonal interest.
Pipsissewa has a long history of medicinal use, and is also edible. It’s known as one of the original components of root beer.
The seeds are tiny and described by many as “dust-like”. For this reason, we choose to sell Pipsissewa seed in its original container: the dried ovary where the seeds developed.
NOTE: in an effort to keep the seed capsules whole, they are shipped in a small box to avoid crushing by postal processing. This results in an increased shipping charge, reflected in the seed cost.
Pipsissewa is notoriously difficult to grow outside of where it chooses to appear, but it also is becoming rare due to over-harvesting for medicinal and edible uses. It is well worth the effort to establish your own supply if you are interested in using it in your household.
Should you accept the challenge, we recommend crushing the seed capsules and mixing the entire contents with a small amount of sand or sawdust. Sprinkle the seed over an acidic, peaty soil in a container. Pipsissewa needs a period of cold stratification. If you live in an area with cold winters, leave the container outdoors or in an unheated garage over winter, and then bring it out in spring as temperatures begin to warm. Alternately, you may place the container in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, and remove in spring. Keep the soil moist. Germination and growth are slow, so be patient!
Chimphila umbellata
(also known as Prince’s pine, Wintergreen, Waxflower)
zones 4-8
5 seed capsules
Pipsissewa is a charming evergreen plant found growing on the floor of cool, shady coniferous forests. Once established, it will spread slowly by creeping rhizomes. It is a low-growing plant, remaining below 6” in height with flower stalks not usually taller than 12”. The leaves are oblong and sharply toothed, shiny on top. The saucer-shaped flowers are pink and fragrant, appearing June-August. Each flower holds a 5-lobed ovary in the center. This seed-containing ovary remains on the plant after flowers fade, providing seasonal interest.
Pipsissewa has a long history of medicinal use, and is also edible. It’s known as one of the original components of root beer.
The seeds are tiny and described by many as “dust-like”. For this reason, we choose to sell Pipsissewa seed in its original container: the dried ovary where the seeds developed.
NOTE: in an effort to keep the seed capsules whole, they are shipped in a small box to avoid crushing by postal processing. This results in an increased shipping charge, reflected in the seed cost.
Pipsissewa is notoriously difficult to grow outside of where it chooses to appear, but it also is becoming rare due to over-harvesting for medicinal and edible uses. It is well worth the effort to establish your own supply if you are interested in using it in your household.
Should you accept the challenge, we recommend crushing the seed capsules and mixing the entire contents with a small amount of sand or sawdust. Sprinkle the seed over an acidic, peaty soil in a container. Pipsissewa needs a period of cold stratification. If you live in an area with cold winters, leave the container outdoors or in an unheated garage over winter, and then bring it out in spring as temperatures begin to warm. Alternately, you may place the container in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, and remove in spring. Keep the soil moist. Germination and growth are slow, so be patient!
Chimphila umbellata
(also known as Prince’s pine, Wintergreen, Waxflower)
zones 4-8
5 seed capsules
Pipsissewa is a charming evergreen plant found growing on the floor of cool, shady coniferous forests. Once established, it will spread slowly by creeping rhizomes. It is a low-growing plant, remaining below 6” in height with flower stalks not usually taller than 12”. The leaves are oblong and sharply toothed, shiny on top. The saucer-shaped flowers are pink and fragrant, appearing June-August. Each flower holds a 5-lobed ovary in the center. This seed-containing ovary remains on the plant after flowers fade, providing seasonal interest.
Pipsissewa has a long history of medicinal use, and is also edible. It’s known as one of the original components of root beer.
The seeds are tiny and described by many as “dust-like”. For this reason, we choose to sell Pipsissewa seed in its original container: the dried ovary where the seeds developed.
NOTE: in an effort to keep the seed capsules whole, they are shipped in a small box to avoid crushing by postal processing. This results in an increased shipping charge, reflected in the seed cost.
Pipsissewa is notoriously difficult to grow outside of where it chooses to appear, but it also is becoming rare due to over-harvesting for medicinal and edible uses. It is well worth the effort to establish your own supply if you are interested in using it in your household.
Should you accept the challenge, we recommend crushing the seed capsules and mixing the entire contents with a small amount of sand or sawdust. Sprinkle the seed over an acidic, peaty soil in a container. Pipsissewa needs a period of cold stratification. If you live in an area with cold winters, leave the container outdoors or in an unheated garage over winter, and then bring it out in spring as temperatures begin to warm. Alternately, you may place the container in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks, and remove in spring. Keep the soil moist. Germination and growth are slow, so be patient!