Pyrola chlorantha

Green-flowered Wintergreen

Green-flowered Wintergreen
aka Pyrola Virens. An earlier species name, virens, means ‘green’ whereas chlorantha means ‘green-flowered.’ A small indiscrete wintergreen usually between 4″ – 8 ” (10 – 20 cm) tall. The flowers are few with no more than eight per stem and are greenish, white or cream-colored. A fairly common plant but easily overlooked since it blends well in the dark green habitats of the forest floor. Usually found in deep forests to 4,500′ elevation.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Pyrola refers to similarity of leaves to the pear tree (Pyrus)

Species:

chlorantha from Greek chloros 'green' and anthos 'flower'
Photo location: Creen Lake and Crystal Lakes trails.