Pink Pyrola, also known as Pink Wintergreen, (Pyrola asarifolia ssp. asarifolia [ssp. purpurea]) grows along the woodland perimeter of my yard. I've transplanted some to one of my rockbeds where it grows happily.
The stems grow mainly underground, and the shiny, dark-green basal leaves are roundish with a thick leathery texture. In late June or early July, pink bell-like flowers appear on straight stalks.
What a lovely photo. I'm not familiar with this family. I looked it up and found we have native spp, but all in the north and, i suspect, acid loving.
Thanks for showing this - i love learning about new flowers!
There are also a couple other varieties up here in Alaska, I think. They also occur in some of our northern states and Canada. I think they prefer the cool temps. This is one of those natural ground covers you don't mind leaving in the beds. It's not overly invasive, and easy to control.
I had just posted the white variety on the identification forum because I didn't know what it was. Found it growing wild in the woods on the side of the horse trail I used to ride, and dug some up to bring home because I thought it was interesting. Its doing great in my wildflower garden!
Yes, I've been told there is a variety on the east coast. I think it works very well in a rock garden, and it is evergreen, so it always looks good.
