Question: This plant has shiny leaves and some of them have reddish splotches on them. The stems are also reddish. They …
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Question
This plant has shiny leaves and some of them have reddish splotches on them. The stems are also reddish. They are growing in the shade of other trees in Southwestern Vermont. Can you identify them for me please? Thank you.
Answer
Dear Imc825, these plants are Gaultheria procumbens (eastern spicy-wintergreen). These are subshrubs in the heath family (Ericaceae) with evergreen leaves that have a noticeable wintergreen odor and flavor.
