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Spotted Pipsissewa

Chimaphila maculata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Spotted Pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata)
Photo: Liszák Kristály / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Spotted Pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata) 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

4"–10" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AZ, CT, DE and 22 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

Spotted pipsissewa is a low-growing evergreen groundcover with distinctive white-veined leaves and small white to pink flowers. This woodland native forms neat colonies under 10 inches tall, making it excellent for shaded areas where grass struggles. The waxy leaves provide year-round interest while summer blooms add delicate color.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spotted Pipsissewa is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, mid zone.

Wildlife value

Summer flowers attract native bees and beetles during the bloom period from June through August.

Common questions

How much sun does Spotted Pipsissewa need?
Spotted Pipsissewa grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Spotted Pipsissewa bloom?
Spotted Pipsissewa blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Spotted Pipsissewa native?
Spotted Pipsissewa (Chimaphila maculata) is native to AL, AZ, CT, DE and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Spotted Pipsissewa attract?
Spotted Pipsissewa draws bees and beetles.
Is Spotted Pipsissewa HOA-friendly?
Spotted Pipsissewa is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Spotted Pipsissewa? 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