Checkerberry
Gaultheria procumbens
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
3"–6" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, CT, DC, DE and 22 more states
Pollinators
bumble bees, other native bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A low, mat-forming evergreen groundcover with glossy, leathery leaves that turn bronze-red in cold weather. Small white bell-shaped flowers in summer are followed by bright red, wintergreen-scented berries that persist into winter.
Wildlife value
Provides nectar for small bees in summer and its persistent winter berries are eaten by birds and small mammals when other food is scarce.
Common questions
- How much sun does Checkerberry need?
- Checkerberry grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Checkerberry bloom?
- Checkerberry blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Checkerberry native?
- Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens) is native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Checkerberry attract?
- Checkerberry draws bumble bees and other native bees.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Checkerberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz