Family: Ericaceae
creeping-snowberry, moxie
[Chiogenes hispidula (L.) Torr. & A.Gray]
Arthur Meeks
Merel R. Black
University of Wisconsin - Madison (WIS-VP)
Etymology: hispidula = finely bristled
Plants: subshrubs, vinelike, mat-forming, stoloniferous; stems creeping, to 15 cm, covered with strigose hairs
Leaves: oval to elliptic, 0.3-1.0 cm long, margins ciliate, lower surface strigose, upper surface glabrous
Inflorescences: flowers borne singly in leaf axils
Flowers: 4-parted, bell-shaped; petals white, 2-3.5 mm, lobes rounded, 1.5-2.0 mm
Fruits: berry-like, white, 2.5 to 6.0 mm wide, edible
Habitat: coniferous forests, Sphagnum bogs; often found on decaying moss-covered logs
Flowering Time: April to May
Conservation Status: native; secure
Plants: subshrubs, vinelike, mat-forming, stoloniferous; stems creeping, to 15 cm, covered with strigose hairs
Leaves: oval to elliptic, 0.3-1.0 cm long, margins ciliate, lower surface strigose, upper surface glabrous
Inflorescences: flowers borne singly in leaf axils
Flowers: 4-parted, bell-shaped; petals white, 2-3.5 mm, lobes rounded, 1.5-2.0 mm
Fruits: berry-like, white, 2.5 to 6.0 mm wide, edible
Habitat: coniferous forests, Sphagnum bogs; often found on decaying moss-covered logs
Flowering Time: April to May
Conservation Status: native; secure
Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 8, Wetland Indicator = FACW
Flora of North America: Gaultheria hispidula treatment USDA Plants Database: Federal distribution and detailed information UW - Green Bay: Shrubs: Desciption, photos, and additional information
Merel R. Black
Matthew L. Wagner
