Common Names
Spotted wintergreen, dragon's tongue, pepsissewa, ratsbane, rheumatism root, spotted pipsissewa, wild arsenic, wintergreen.

Description
An evergreen perennial that grows to 10 inches in height. Leaves are dark green, blunt-toothed, and wedge-shaped. Flowers are about ½ inch in size, flesh-colored, with violet pollen sacs.

Flowering Period
May to June.

Habitat
Coniferous and hardwood forests.

Harvest
Leaves.

Uses
According to at least two authorities, this plant is used as a diuretic, tonic, and astringent. It is used also, according to other authorities, to treat skin eruptions, certain types of cancer, acute rheumatism, and syphilis. Still other uses are as an aromatic and alterative.