Liver-leaf Wintergreen
Pyrola asarifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Liver-leaf Wintergreen (Pyrola asarifolia) 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
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CO, IA, ID and 19 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 Liver-leaf Wintergreen? 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