Etymology: procumbens = prostrate
Plants: subshrubs, not mat-forming, rhizomotous or stoloniferous; stems creeping, to 20 cm tall, wooly, glabrescent
Leaves: obovate to oval or orbiculate, 1.5-4.5 cm, margins serrate, bristle-tipped, lower surface pale green, upper surface bright green glaucous
Flowers: 5-parted, corolla urn-shaped to short cylindric, lobes 1 mm; petals white, 8-10 mm, surface lanate-hairy
Inflorescences: flowers borne singly in leaf axils
Fruits: berry-like, red, 6-9 mm wide, aromatic
Habitat: mesic forests, dry, acidic woodlands, coniferous woodlands, bogs and fens; usually in acidic and/or sandy soils
Flowering Time: July to August
Conservation Status: native; secure

Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACU.

This species is common throughout Wisconsin except for the southwest.

Brosaea procumbens (L.) Kuntze

Gaultheria humilis Salisb.

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = FACU. Shrubs of Wisconsin: Photos, descriptions, information. Flora of North America: Taxonomic treatment for Gaultheria procumbens USDA Plants Database: North American distribution and detailed information including photos. Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry: Fact sheet. Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine: Article. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Photo of seeds Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) species description for Gaultheria procumbens