Liver-leaf Wintergreen
Pyrola asarifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, IA, ID and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Liver-leaf wintergreen is a compact native groundcover with glossy, rounded evergreen leaves and delicate pink to white bell-shaped flowers in summer. This woodland plant stays low and tidy, forming small colonies in shaded areas where few other plants thrive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Liver-leaf Wintergreen takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Too woodland-like for formal landscapes
- May appear sparse or wild to conventional standards
- Requires specific shade conditions that limit placement options
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar when many other native plants have finished blooming. The evergreen foliage offers year-round ground cover for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Liver-leaf Wintergreen need?
- Liver-leaf Wintergreen grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Liver-leaf Wintergreen bloom?
- Liver-leaf Wintergreen blooms in June and July.
- Where is Liver-leaf Wintergreen native?
- Liver-leaf Wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia) is native to CA, CO, IA, ID and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Liver-leaf Wintergreen attract?
- Liver-leaf Wintergreen draws bees and beetles.
- Is Liver-leaf Wintergreen HOA-friendly?
- Liver-leaf Wintergreen takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Liver-leaf Wintergreen? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz