Snowline wintergreen (Pyrola minor, Sp. Pl.: 396 (1753))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 396 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pyrola

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Snowline wintergreen, known scientifically as Pyrola minor, is a fascinating perennial that thrives predominantly in the subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This resilient plant is a proud member of the Ericaceae family, a diverse group known for its hardy and adaptive species.

Discovered and formally named by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753, Pyrola minor has captured the attention of botanists and nature enthusiasts alike. The book, designated as “Sp. Pl.: 396”, remains a cornerstone in botanical nomenclature, underscoring the significance of Linnaeus’s contribution to plant taxonomy.

The Snowline wintergreen is adept at surviving in harsh climates, often found in cold, subarctic terrains as well as the cooler temperate zones. Its presence in these regions is a testament to its adaptability and resilience, characteristic traits of plants within the Ericaceae family. The plant’s ecological role in these areas is indispensable, contributing to the biodiversity and overall health of the ecosystems.

Botanically, Pyrola minor is noted for its delicate inflorescence. The small, nodding flowers possess a subtle charm, often characterized by their soft white or pale pink hues, and a pleasant, albeit faint, fragrance. These blooms typically appear in clusters, standing gracefully above the basal rosettes of evergreen leaves. The leaves are another distinctive feature, presenting a leathery texture and a deep green coloration, which persists through the year, providing a verdant carpet even in winter’s chill.

Pyrola minor‘s role extends beyond its visual appeal; it is a critical plant for local pollinators. Various insects, particularly bees, are attracted to its flowers, ensuring the continuation of the species through effective pollination. The plant’s seeds are dispersed through a combination of wind and biotic vectors, facilitating its spread across suitable habitats.

In traditional uses, the Snowline wintergreen has been recognized by indigenous communities for its mild medicinal properties. It was often employed in natural remedies, although such practices have largely diminished in contemporary settings. Nonetheless, its endurance in folklore underscores its longstanding presence and significance in human history.

For those intrigued by the flora of colder climates, Pyrola minor represents a unique and unwavering subject of study. Its ability to flourish amidst challenging conditions, coupled with its understated beauty, embodies the remarkable adaptability and resilience of nature. As we continue to explore and understand the vast botanical world, the Snowline wintergreen remains a symbol of persistence and ecological harmony in the face of climatic extremes.

Common Names

Eng: common wintergreen, lesser wintergreen, snowline wintergreen, lesser pyrola, little shinleaf
Deu: kleines wintergrün
Dan: liden sommerkonval, liden vintergrøn
Nld: klein wintergroen
Swe: klotpyrola, pikkutalvikki, småpyrola, småvintergröna
Nno: perlevintergrøn
Nob: perlevintergrønn
Fra: petite pyrole, pyrole mineure
Fin: pikkutalvikki
Sme: jorbadálvvut, smávvalieđga
Cym: coedwyrdd, coedwyrdd bychan, coedwyrdd lleiaf, glesyn cyffredin y gaeaf, glesyn y gaeaf, glesyn-y-gaeaf bach
En: Snowline wintergreen, Common Wintergreen, Mountain pyrola, Small shin-leaf, Snowline pyrola, Snowline shinleaf, Lesser wintergreen, Lesser pyrola, Little shinleaf, Small Wintergreen, Wintergreen
Be: Грушанка малая
Bg: Малка мурава
Ca: Pírola petita
Zh: 短柱鹿蹄草
Cs: Hruštička menší
Da: Liden Vintergrøn, Liden sommerkonval
Nl: Klein wintergroen
Et: Väike uibuleht
Fi: Pikkutalvikki
Fr: Petite pyrole, Pyrole mineure, Petite Pirole
De: Kleines Wintergrün, Kleines-Wintergrün
Hu: Kis körtike
Ga: Glasluibh bheag
It: Piroletta minore
Se: Smávvalieđga, Jorbadálvvut
No: Perlevintergrøn
Nb: Perlevintergrønn
Nn: Perlevintergrøn
Pl: Gruszyczka mniejsza
Ru: Грушанка малая
Sk: Hruštička menšia
Sv: Klotpyrola, Pikkutalvikki, Småpyrola, Småvintergröna
Cy: Glesyn-y-gaeaf bach, Coedwyrdd, Coedwyrdd Bychan, Coedwyrdd Lleiaf, Glesyn Cyffredin y Gaeaf, Glesyn y Gaeaf

Synonyms

• Erxlebenia rosea (Opiz)
• Pyrola intermedia (Schleich. ex Arcang.)
• Pyrola minor f. brevis (Lange)
• Pyrola minor var. conferta (Cham. & Schltdl.)
• Braxilia parvifolia (Raf.)
• Pyrola montana (Bubani)
• Pyrola rosea (Sm.)
• Pyrola conferta (Fisch. ex Ledeb.)
• Amelia minor ((L.) Alef.)
• Braxilia minor ((L.) House)
• Erxlebenia minor ((L.) Rydb.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Chita (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Krym (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Mayor Samarra Guillem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Mayor Samarra Guillem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by René Burkhard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 22, 2021 by Bridget Tapper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Axel Franke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Other

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

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2016 by Miguel A. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by TK14 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2021 by Natalia Kazakova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2018 by jeclerencia (cc-by-sa)

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

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

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

Bark

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by Didier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 24, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Jacques HOUDRÉ (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888272)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331828-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrola minor L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2