How much sun does Snowline Wintergreen need?

Snowline Wintergreen grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Snowline Wintergreen bloom?

Snowline Wintergreen blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Snowline Wintergreen native?

Snowline Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Snowline Wintergreen attract?

Snowline Wintergreen draws bees and beetles.

Is Snowline Wintergreen HOA-friendly?

Snowline Wintergreen takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Snowline Wintergreen

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Pyrola minor

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Snowline Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) 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

2"–8" H × 4"–10" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 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 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 Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies North American Deserts

Snowline wintergreen is a delicate native groundcover with small, rounded evergreen leaves and tiny white or pink bell-shaped flowers on short stems. This woodland plant forms small colonies and maintains its attractive foliage year-round, making it excellent for shaded areas where other plants struggle.

In an HOA neighborhood

Snowline 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 size makes it nearly invisible in typical landscaping
Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
Subtle appearance may be mistaken for weeds

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract native bees and beetles, providing nectar during the warmer months. The evergreen foliage offers year-round cover for small woodland creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Snowline Wintergreen need?: Snowline Wintergreen grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Snowline Wintergreen bloom?: Snowline Wintergreen blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Snowline Wintergreen native?: Snowline Wintergreen (Pyrola minor) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Snowline Wintergreen attract?: Snowline Wintergreen draws bees and beetles.
Is Snowline Wintergreen HOA-friendly?: Snowline 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 Snowline Wintergreen? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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