Chimaphila umbellata

Pippsissewa

Pippsissewa
aka Prince’s Pine. Taller of the two species, the stem can reach 10″ (25 cm) and hold an “umbrella” of four to eight pink flowers. The 1″ wide flowers have five petals with ten stamens which radiate like spokes around a green hub which is a fat green ovary. The common name is an adaptation of the Cree name pipisisikweu meaning ‘it breaks into small pieces’ because the leaves were thought to help dissolve kidney stones. Common in forests in drier places to 5,000′ elevation.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Chimaphila from Greek cheima, 'winter weather' and phelein, 'to love'

Species:

umbellata refers to 'umbel of flowers'
Photo location: WLT north of the Summerland trailhead.