Snowline Wintergreen
Pyrola minor
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz