Green Nature

Pipsissewa

picture of a pipsissewa flower


Pipsissewa (Chimaphila umbellata), also known as Prince's Pine, are small flowering shrubs in the heath family, found on and along coniferous forest floors across the United States.

IThey are versatile plants, used over time by Native Americans and early settlers as a source of food, medicine and decoration.

The picture shows the underside of the unusual looking flower with pink petals, green pistil and purple stamen.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels