Serrated-wintergreen
Orthilia secunda
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Serrated-wintergreen is a low-growing native groundcover with glossy, toothed evergreen leaves arranged in small rosettes. In late spring and summer, it produces delicate white flower spikes that add subtle charm to shaded garden 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 stature may appear incomplete or sparse
- Wild woodland appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
- Can be overlooked or mistaken for weeds due to diminutive size
Wildlife value
The small white flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a native understory plant, it provides year-round habitat for small wildlife.
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 May, June, and July.
- Where is Serrated-wintergreen native?
- Serrated-wintergreen (Orthilia secunda) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Serrated-wintergreen attract?
- Serrated-wintergreen draws bees and beetles.
- 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.
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