Mt. Rainier

Mt. Rainier Flora -- Pyrola asarifolia -- (Pink Wintergreen)

presented by Susan McDougall


Pyrola asarifolia

There are two subspecies of Pink Wintergreen at the Park. They are distinguished by leaf shape and the presence of toothed margins. This is the more common bracteata; it has toothed leaves that are more or less square at the base.

Author: Susan McDougall
Longmire, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7521, -121.8130, 2737
Date: July 2, 2014
Pyrola asarifolia

Subspecies bracteata is common in forests to an elevation of 4,000 feet. It also grows along roadsides on the east and south sides of the Park and in campgrounds. The brilliant pink petals are showy and quite easy to see.

Author: Susan McDougall
Longmire, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7521, -121.8130, 2737
Date: July 2, 2014
Pyrola asarifolia

Pink Wintergreen is an evergreen plant. This photo is of the less frequently seen asarifolia, characterized by more heart-shaped leaves that lack teeth.

Author: Susan McDougall
Cougar Rock Campground, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7685, -121.7949
Date: June 30, 2016
Pyrola asarifolia

The heart-shaped leaves of subspecies asarifolia are shown here. This subspecies is found on the south side of the Park in moist forests.

Author: Susan McDougall
Cougar Rock Campground, Mount Rainier National Park
GPS: 46.7685, -121.7949
Date: June 30, 2016

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All images are the property of Susan McDougall.
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