cancer wintergreen
Gaultheria hispidula · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cancer wintergreen, scientifically known as Gaultheria hispidula, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to various regions. Renowned for its aromatic leaves and vibrant berries, this medicinal plant contains methyl salicylate. It is traditionally utilized in herbal remedies to alleviate inflammation, soothe muscle aches, and provide natural analgesic relief.
Names
Common Names
- cancer wintergreen
- maidenhair berry
- moxieplum
- snowberry
- creeping-snowberry
- Hairy false-wintergreen
Regional and Traditional Names
French:
- chiogène hispide
- gaulthérie hispide
- oeufs de perdrix
- petit thé
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Gaultheria hispidulaSynonyms
- Oxycoccus hispidulus
- Phalerocarpus hispidulus
- Phalerocarpus serpyllifolia
- Schollera hispidula
- Lasierpa hispidula
- Glyciphylla hispidula
- Arbutus filiformis
- Arbutus thymifolia
- Vaccinium hispidulum
- Chiogenes hispidula
- Chiogenes serpyllifolia
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gaultheria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gaultheria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several prominent regions of North America. In the northernmost reaches, it can be found within the territory of Nunavut in Subarctic America. Its presence extends significantly through Western Canada, spanning across the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Additionally, the species is established within the prairie provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Subarctic America | Nunavut | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Alberta | WCVP |
| Western Canada | British Columbia | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Manitoba | WCVP |
| Western Canada | Saskatchewan | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Labrador | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | New Brunswick | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Newfoundland | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Nova Scotia | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Ontario | WCVP |
Activities
Gaultheria hispidula has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytoprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cytoprotective | BMC complementary and alternative medicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |