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, AZ, CA, CO and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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.

Serrated-wintergreen

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pyrola secunda

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Serrated-wintergreen (Pyrola secunda) 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"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees

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

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Ridge and Valley Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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, AZ, CA, CO and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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