![]() Striped Wintergreen and a close relative that is also called Pipsissewa ( Chimaphila umbellata) have been used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. One of the compounds, ursolic acid, is effective in treating arthritis and other causes of pain and inflammation. ![]() Striped Wintergreen contains chemical compounds with antiseptic, antibacterial, and astringent properties, among others. Some of these names refer to the medicinal uses of this plant. Striped Wintergreen is known by many other aliases (common names), including Spotted Wintergreen, Pipsissewa, and Rheumatism Root. They can photosynthesize, store the energy, and make it available to support Striped Wintergreen’s summertime reproductive efforts. But throughout winter, Striped Wintergreen’s evergreen leaves have unfettered access to the sun’s energy. During the growing season, its taller neighbors often obscure Striped Wintergreen from view, as well as from the sun’s rays. ![]() ![]() Its green and white striped leaves make it easy to spot in the winter months when leaves have fallen from the deciduous trees and shrubs that tower over this diminutive plant. Somewhat woody at the base of the stem, botanists classify this species as a shrub or subshrub. Why do they love winter? Striped Wintergreen is an evergreen perennial of the forest understory, growing to a height of about 4 – 12 inches (10 – 30 cm). Striped Wintergreen (Chimaphila maculata) ![]()
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