Family: Ericaceae
Author: Sm.
Bibliography: A. Rees, Cycl. 29: Pyrola no. 8. 1814
Year: 1814
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pyrola
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Canada to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
White-vein wintergreen, scientifically known as Pyrola picta, is a captivating plant belonging to the Ericaceae family. Described meticulously by the botanist Sm. in A. Rees’s Cyclopedia in 1814, this plant stands out due to its distinctive characteristics and widespread distribution across North America.
Native to regions ranging from Western Canada to the diverse landscapes of the Western and West-Central United States, Pyrola picta has adapted to various climates and altitudes, often thriving in forested or wooded areas. Its leaves are an outstanding feature, marked by prominent white veins that contrast strikingly against the lush green backdrop, earning it the common name “White-vein wintergreen.” This pattern offers not just an aesthetic appeal but also a unique identification marker for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Pyrola picta is a perennial herb that typically blossoms during the warmer months. The flowers, though modest in size, are arranged in terminal clusters and contribute to the delicate charm of the plant. These blooms are usually white or pale pink, complementing the veined foliage and adding to the plant’s overall ornamental value.
The ecological role of Pyrola picta is significant, as it provides habitat and nourishment for various insects, contributing to the biodiversity of its native regions. Its presence indicates healthy forest ecosystems, often flourishing under the shade of larger trees.
For those interested in horticulture or botany, Pyrola picta presents an excellent study subject due to its adaptive capabilities and striking visual traits. Conservation efforts are essential to preserve its natural habitats, ensuring that it continues to flourish and contribute to the ecological balance.
In conclusion, White-vein wintergreen (Pyrola picta) is not only an attractive addition to natural landscapes but also an essential component of forest ecology. Its distinctive white-veined leaves and delicate flowers make it a plant worth admiring and protecting, reflecting the beauty and complexity of nature’s designs.
Common Names
Eng: white-vein wintergreen, white-veined wintergreen, white-veined pyrola, nootka wintergreen
Fra: pyrole peinte
En: White-vein wintergreen, Whiteveined wintergreen, Whitevein shinleaf, Whitevein wintergreen, White-veined wintergreen, White-veined pyrola, Nootka wintergreen
Fr: Pyrole peinte
Synonyms
- Pyrola picta var. sparsifolia ((Suksd.) Andres)
- Pyrola blanda (Andres)
- Pyrola picta var. chimoides (Andres)
- Thelaia spathulata (Alef.)
- Pyrola paradoxa (Andres)
- Pyrola conardiana (Andres)
- Pyrola septentrionalis (Andres)
- Pyrola sparsifolia (Suksd.)
- Pyrola picta var. suksdorfii (Andres)
Distribution
- Alberta (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oregon (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Tiphus Léthal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by sevilla ruby (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 30, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 16, 2020 by Joe Ernst (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Damian Fries (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 31, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 31, 2006 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 20, 2019 by L.M. Staton (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Feb 6, 2016 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 29, 2016 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 7, 2015 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 2, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 6, 2009 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken Jul 24, 2015 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 15, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 15, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2888250)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331838-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pyrola picta Sm.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub
