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Serrated-wintergreen

Pyrola secunda

Last reviewed: July 2026

Serrated-wintergreen (Pyrola secunda)
Photo: Carl Axel Magnus Lindman / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CO and 29 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Serrated wintergreen is a low-growing evergreen perennial with glossy, rounded leaves arranged in small rosettes. It produces delicate spikes of small white flowers during summer months and maintains its attractive foliage year-round.

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 scale appears weedy in formal landscapes
  • Woodland wildflower looks too natural for most HOA standards
  • Low height makes it nearly invisible in maintained plantings

Wildlife value

The summer flowers provide nectar for bees and other small pollinators. The evergreen foliage offers winter shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Serrated-wintergreen need?
Serrated-wintergreen grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Serrated-wintergreen bloom?
Serrated-wintergreen blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Serrated-wintergreen native?
Serrated-wintergreen (Pyrola secunda) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 29 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Serrated-wintergreen attract?
Serrated-wintergreen draws bees.
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 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 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