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Winter's Evergreens

© N. Lou Lyons

Arctic weather has found its way to Pennsylvania. The year 2002 begins with bitter cold temperatures and snow in some areas, especially the Northwestern region. Reduced sunlight, flu viruses, shades of brown across mountain ranges and inhospitable conditions bring to reality the season known to induce the winter blues. Less active this time of year, we escape indoors to avoid slippery roads, numb fingers and red cheeks.

Outside, wildlife has little option but to endure harsh conditions. Nature has a way to do this with a certain flourish. Majestic or simple, evergreens are winter treasures that remind us of growth and life. Evergreens can help dispel the blues.

Deciduous trees, plants and shrubs have lost their foliage. Evergreens now have center stage to show off the stuff that gives them their name. All evergreens belong to the plant kingdom. Our state tree, the Eastern Hemlock is an evergreen. Mountain Laurel, our state flower is an evergreen tree or shrub. Because so many genera and species of plants are considered evergreens they can be found all across the state. This time of year a few deserve special recognition. They are the wintergeens.

Of particular interest are those wintergreens that belong to the plant family Pyrolaceae (Shinleaf) and one species from the Ericaceae (Heath) family. Native herbaceous plants or shrubs, the green leaves of these perennials can not be seen from the roads and highways like larger evergreens. Several varieties, only several inches tall, are easily covered by fallen leaves or a few inches of snow. Others will never reach beyond nine or 10 inches in height. They are small delicate looking plants that remain green with life in the harsh elements outside. Once spring arrives, wintergreens begin to bloom and display rather unusual flowers. To think of their ability to withstand the worst may help us dispel the winter blues.

Over a dozen species of wintergreens grow wild in mostly shaded woodlands of Pennsylvania. Acidic soil is favored. Different species prefer both moist or dry soil conditions.

Certain evergreens are considered wintergreens as a result of common names given them. Others are thought of as true wintergreens. No doubt the most popular species belongs to the Heath family. Also called teaberry, Gaultheria procumbens L. is well known as simply "wintergreen." Leaves of this plant are aromatic and the oil derived from those leaves has been used for centuries for both medicinal purposes and flavoring. Edible berries appear in the late fall and ripen as winter progresses. Imagine getting better as winter unfolds.

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