Striped Wintergreen Virginia Wildflower Postcard

Striped Wintergreen, or Chimaphila maculata, is also sometimes known as Pipsissewa, and is native to North and Central America. Of the Wintergreen family (Pyrolaceae), the nodding fragrant flowers favour dry woods and bloom in Shenandoah National Park from June to August. The genus name is from the Greek cheima ("winter") and philien ("to love"). The Creek Indians called it "pipsisikweu"--which means "breaks into small pieces"-- after the supposed ability to break down gallstones and kidney stones. Native Americans used its leaf tea to treat rheumatism and stomach problems, and crushed leaves were applied as a poultice to sores and wounds. While it is still used for flavouring root beer and candy, it is becoming increasingly rare and endangered in some areas.