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Pipsissewa

Chimaphila umbellata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata)
Photo: Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Pipsissewa as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangePuget LowlandNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsPiedmontNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Pipsissewa is a low-growing evergreen groundcover with glossy, dark green leaves and delicate white to pink flowers that bloom in summer. This woodland native forms small colonies and maintains its attractive foliage year-round, making it an excellent choice for shaded areas where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pipsissewa 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.

  • Very small size makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
  • Woodland appearance looks wild rather than cultivated
  • Spreads in irregular patches that lack formal structure

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar during the peak growing season. The evergreen foliage offers year-round shelter for small wildlife and ground-dwelling insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Pipsissewa need?
Pipsissewa grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Pipsissewa bloom?
Pipsissewa blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pipsissewa native?
Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Pipsissewa toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Pipsissewa as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Pipsissewa attract?
Pipsissewa draws bees and beetles.
Is Pipsissewa HOA-friendly?
Pipsissewa 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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