Chimaphila umbellata (Pipsissewa)
| Also known as: | Prince's-pine |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Chimaphila |
| Family: | Ericaceae (Heath) |
| Life cycle: | perennial woody |
| Origin: | native |
| Habitat: | part shade, shade; dry woods |
| Bloom season: | June - August |
| Plant height: | 3 to 10 inches |
| Wetland Indicator Status: | none |
| MN county distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
| National distribution (click map to enlarge): |  |
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Detailed Information
Flower: 
![[photo of flowers]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/chimaphila-394-6.jpg)
3 to 7 nodding flowers on slender stalks at the end of a stem that stands well above the upper leaves. Flowers are ½ to ¾ inch across, 5 white petals pink at the base, spreading like an umbrella around a plump green central pistil, along with a halo of 10 prominent orbiting anthers.
Leaves and stem:
![[photo of leaves]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/chimaphila-394-4.jpg)
The leaves are evergreen, opposite or whorled in groups of 3 to 8, oblong to lance shaped or elliptical with the lower leaves smaller and nearly oval, 1¼ to 2 inches long, 1/3 to ¾ inch wide, the upper surface very shiny with distinct sharp teeth along edges, on a short stalk. Stems are slender and woody, each year's growth putting out 3 to 4 new branches which root down over time to slowly form colonial mats.
Fruit:
![[photo of fruit]](/udata/r9ndp23q/pd/chimaphila-umbellata-9354.jpg)
Fruits are upright, dry, 5 sectioned capsules about ¼ inch in diameter, reddish brown with distinct button-like cap from the enlarged stigma. The capsule dries to a dark brown and persists through winter.
Notes:
Common throughout northern US and southern Canadian coniferous forests, larger colonies of Pipsissewa make effective groundcovers. The leaves are quite durable, lasting up to four years before being left behind in the proliferation of new branches. There are 3 varieties of Chimaphila umbellata, with var. cisatlantica found in Minnesota. Like other species formerly in the Pyrolaceae (Pyrola) family, Chimaphila has been reassigned to Ericaceae (Heath).
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More photos
Pipsissewa plant
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still more plantsPhotos courtesy Peter M. Dziuk taken in Hubbard and Washington counties.
Comments
Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?
on: 2011-07-16 11:19:30
Yes, saw this lovely flower in the Chippewa while picking blueberries. Have been looking for it for about 3 years and couldn't believe my luck when I found it. Lovely!!!!!!
on: 2013-07-01 17:45:11
While co-leading a field trip for the MN Native Plant Society on 6-30-13, I came across only two stems, neither in flower.
on: 2014-01-25 10:54:47
THis is growing on my property along the Crow Wing River. Only a few plants scattered around but very nice to find.
on: 2014-07-26 11:50:35
First time I've seen this plant in all my years of blueberry picking. It was under the ferns in a cut over area in sandy soil.
on: 2016-02-16 19:17:36
Have seen a few of these plants in the Sand Dunes State Forest area, but never in flower or any stalks with seed pods. I'm wondering if they are more prolific up north near water or the sandy soil has something to do with that.
on: 2016-04-03 10:17:39
There is a small patch on the northwest end of a balm of gilead poplar grove growing with lichens, grasses, sedges, and asters. I keep the patch somewhat weeded of trees to benefit the plant. I have spread the seeds to other similar sites but have yet to see the results. Hot pink flowers really stand out. The soil is sandy loam and it is the old homestead site so is disturbed. This is also a play area for my neices and nephews so gets regular traffic.
on: 2017-07-05 07:42:36
There is a very small patch here now just getting ready to bloom.
on: 2017-12-27 08:15:29
Since people are saying they find this lovely gem blueberry picking, does it like more acidic soils under pines?
on: 2018-05-29 16:14:38
Leaves and last years seedhead present as of today
on: 2019-07-21 16:01:24
Saw this on a walk this morning, July 21, 2019 at Scenic State Park on the hiking/road trails! First time I have even seen it....it is so pretty!
on: 2019-07-23 12:37:56
I found this pretty flower near Lake George Mn. blueberry picking yesterday! Few yr. old Norway cut off area.It was under the berry leaves low to the ground. Damp loam type soil
on: 2020-07-14 23:51:20
Blooming on the shore of Hogback Lake as you follow the hiking trail. A good number of them.
on: 2021-05-14 06:13:09
I found the leaves of pipsissiwa last fall after the woods thinned out. I don't step off the trail much when it would be blooming because the ticks are heavy. This year, I'll try to catch it when blooming.
on: 2021-07-01 09:08:32
Leaves are shiny, remind me of wintergreen. Pretty flower. Quite near to the Hogback lake mentioned above in comments.
on: 2022-07-19 16:14:05
Three small colonies on our property near a lake.
on: 2022-08-16 23:16:17
Found the leaves, but not blooming on one of the trails near the water.