Intermediate wintergreen (Pyrola media, Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl., n.s., 25: 257 (1804))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Sw.

Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl., n.s., 25: 257 (1804)

Year: 1804

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pyrola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Eurasia

Description

Intermediate wintergreen, scientifically named Pyrola media, is an enchanting plant belonging to the family Ericaceae. Documented by the author Sw. in a publication from 1804 in the Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl., this plant stands as a testament to the botanical richness of both subarctic and temperate Eurasia.

This perennial herb is well-known for its resilience in cooler climates, ideally thriving in subarctic environments and temperate zones across the Eurasian continent. Its robust nature allows it to flourish in habitats that experience significant seasonal changes, making it a noteworthy subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

The foliage of Pyrola media is unmistakable with its vibrant green leaves that maintain their lush appearance throughout the year, providing a splash of greenery even during harsh winter months. This evergreen quality is characteristic of the Ericaceae family, known for their hardy and adaptable members.

Intermediate wintergreen produces delicate, bell-shaped flowers that emerge primarily in the summer. These blossoms are typically white or pale pink, forming a stunning contrast against the deep green leaves. The flowers are arranged in racemes, presenting a graceful floral display that attracts various pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of this species.

In summary, Intermediate wintergreen or Pyrola media is not just a beautiful plant but also a resilient inhabitant of subarctic and temperate Eurasia. Its evergreen leaves and charming flowers make it a plant of interest for both scientific study and horticultural appreciation. Documented since the early 19th century, it remains a subject of fascination and admiration within the botanical world.

Common Names

Dan: klokke-sommerkonval, klokke-vintergrøn
Deu: mittleres wintergrün
Eng: intermediate wintergreen, greater wintergreen
Fin: kellotalvikki
Swe: kellotalvikki, klockpyrola, klockvintergröna
Nno: klokkevintergrøn
Nob: klokkevintergrønn
Lav: videja ziemciete
Sme: divgadálvvut
Cym: coedwyrdd cyfryngol, glesyn-y-gaeaf canolig
En: Intermediate wintergreen, Greater Wintergreen
Hy: Սպնդուկ միջին
Be: Грушанка сярэдняя
Bg: Средна мурава
Zh: 小叶鹿蹄草
Cs: Hruštička prostřední
Da: Klokke-Vintergrøn, Klokke-sommerkonval
Nl: Middelst wintergroen, Middelste wintergroen
Et: Keskmine uibuleht
Fi: Kellotalvikki
Fr: Pirole intermédiaire, Pyrole de taille moyenne, Pyrole intermédiaire, Pyrole moyenne
De: Mittleres Wintergrün
Hu: Közepes körtike
It: Piroletta intermedia
Lv: Videja ziemciete
Se: Divgadálvvut
Nb: Klokkevintergrønn
Nn: Klokkevintergrøn
Pl: Gruszyczka średnia
Ru: Грушанка средняя
Sk: Hruštička stredná
Sv: Klockpyrola, Kellotalvikki, Klockvintergröna
Cy: Glesyn-y-gaeaf canolig, Coedwyrdd Cyfryngol

Synonyms

• Amelia media ((Sw.) Alef.)
• Pyrola minor subsp. media ((Sw.) Bonnier & Layens)
• Pyrola convallariifolia (Genty)
• Braxilia media ((Sw.) Raf.)
• Thelaia media ((Sw.) Alef.)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2018 by Gianni Giana (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Paul FABRE (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888292)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331825-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrola media Sw.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 4

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2