Serrated-wintergreen
Pyrola dentata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Serrated-wintergreen (Pyrola dentata) 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
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
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 437 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
Serrated-wintergreen is a low-growing native perennial that forms small clumps of glossy, toothed evergreen leaves. It produces delicate white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers on short stems during summer months, creating subtle ground-level interest in shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Serrated-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.
- Very small and inconspicuous appearance may look like weeds
- Shade requirement limits placement options
- Woodland character conflicts with typical landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies. Its low stature and shade preference make it valuable for supporting pollinators in woodland garden settings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Serrated-wintergreen need?
- Serrated-wintergreen grows best in shade conditions.
- When does Serrated-wintergreen bloom?
- Serrated-wintergreen blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Serrated-wintergreen native?
- Serrated-wintergreen (Pyrola dentata) is native to CA, ID, MT, NV and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Serrated-wintergreen attract?
- Serrated-wintergreen draws bees and flies.
- Is Serrated-wintergreen HOA-friendly?
- Serrated-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.
Ready to grow Serrated-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