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Snowline Wintergreen

Pyrola minor

Last reviewed: June 2026

Snowline Wintergreen (Pyrola minor)
Photo: Mary Vaux Walcott / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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

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.

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.

Does Snowline Wintergreen fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.