Gaultheria ovatifolia (Western teaberry)

Gaultheria ovatifolia, commonly known as Western teaberry, is a small evergreen shrub native to the western regions of North America. It belongs to the Ericaceae family and is similar to its eastern cousin, Gaultheria procumbens (Eastern teaberry). The plant features glossy, dark green leaves and produces small, fragrant white flowers in late spring. It is widely cultivated for its edible red berries, which have a sweet and minty flavor. The shrub typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet and spreads about 2 to 3 feet wide.