Serrated-wintergreen
Orthilia secunda
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Serrated-wintergreen (Orthilia 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
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 452 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 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.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Serrated-wintergreen? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz