Eastern Teaberry

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score

0

Native Status

✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON

Closest Direction

Local

CEC Eco-Regions

5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians

Rarity Notes

Secure (S5) in both Ontario and Quebec, globally ranked G5. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Nationally ranked N5 in both Canada and the United States. Endangered only in Illinois at the southern periphery of its range.

S22 G5, N5 CA/US, S5 ON/QC; S26 not SARA listed; S10 endangered in Illinois

Rarity Ranks

QC S5 – Secure, ON S5 – Secure

Migration

Stable

Ecological Context

Characteristic understory subshrub of acidic, sandy or rocky forests in the Mixed Wood Shield. Thrives beneath oaks, pines, paper birch, and aspens on well-drained acidic soils, also occurring in forested bogs and conifer swamps. Forms stoloniferous colonies in the leaf litter and humus layer, persisting in deep shade but fruiting more abundantly in partial sun openings. A frequent associate of Vaccinium, Pteridium aquilinum, and Aralia nudicaulis in the regional forest understory.

S7 sandy savanna with oak, pine, birch, aspen, moist forests, conifer swamps; S6 mixed woodlands, acidic woodlands, bogs and fens; S10 upland oak woodlands, forested bogs

Permaculture & Companion Planting

Roles

Fire Retardant, Pollinator Attractor

S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = High (not definitional)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [MEDIUM]: S68 4 bee associations (threshold=3)]

Notes

Excellent evergreen ground cover for acidic woodland guilds, forming dense prostrate carpets that suppress weeds once established. Functions as a dynamic accumulator gathering soil minerals into bioavailable form. Tolerates juglone. Pairs well with spring ephemerals (Trillium, Erythronium) as it provides year-round cover beneath their dormant period. Space plants 45 cm apart for full coverage.

S29 ground cover, dynamic accumulator, spacing 45cm; S3 tolerates juglone; S3 complementary with spring wildflowers

Medicinal Properties

ℹ

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any plant for medicinal purposes. The information provided is compiled from secondary sources for educational purposes only.

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Category

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Astringent, Carminative, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, Tonic

S29 PFAF medicinal categories; S28 31 drug + 8 medicine uses

Notes

Leaves contain methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen), closely related to aspirin, making the plant a traditional analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Widely used by Algonquin, Cherokee, Chippewa, Delaware, and other First Nations for colds, headaches, rheumatism, stomachaches, and as a general tonic. Leaf infusions relieve flatulence and colic. Essential oil applied externally for rheumatism, sciatica, sprains, and neuralgia. Health Canada lists it as a homeopathic substance.

S29 methyl salicylate, external use for rheumatism; S28 31 drug uses across 8+ nations; S36 Health Canada NHPID listed

Edibility & Foraging

ℹ

Never ingest a plant unless you have 100% certainty of its identity and have consulted multiple reputable sources. The information provided in the Localeaf Plant Database is compiled from secondary sources for educational and historical purposes only.

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✅ Edible    ✅ Commonly Eaten

Foraging Notes

Berries eaten raw or cooked, with a spicy wintergreen flavor; best after frost and persist into spring. Young leaves nibbled as a trail snack. Leaves widely used for tea by Algonquin, Cherokee, Chippewa, and Abnaki peoples. Fermented red leaves yield a stronger tea. Oil of wintergreen distilled from leaves historically used to flavor beer, confections, and chewing gum.

S29 fruit raw/cooked, tea from leaves, oil of wintergreen; S28 18 food uses including beverage, fruit, spice; S7 young leaves most palatable

Toxicity

△ Low Toxicity

Not listed in Cornell poisonous plants database; USDA Toxicity rated None. However, the distilled essential oil (methyl salicylate) is toxic in large doses, potentially causing liver and kidney damage. Contraindicated for individuals allergic to aspirin (salicylates) or under age 12. Topical use of concentrated oil may cause contact dermatitis. Whole plant parts (berries, leaves) are considered safe for consumption.

S29 essential oil toxic in large doses, liver/kidney damage, aspirin sensitivity; S38 not in Cornell database; S11 Toxicity=None

Seed Source

• Akène