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Checkerberry

Gaultheria procumbens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens) is a perennial shrub native to AL, CT, DC, DE and 22 more states. It blooms in June, July, and August. The flowers draw bumble bees and other native bees.

Checkerberry (Gaultheria procumbens)
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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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

Growing Checkerberry

Grow Checkerberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 6 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Checkerberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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