Quick answer: Creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) is native to 12 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Ryan Hodnett, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Cold, acid soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 6 in tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies, larval host for Bog Fritillary |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Creeping snowberry
Where is Creeping snowberry native?
Creeping snowberry (Gaultheria hispidula) is native to 12 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Creeping snowberry bloom?
Creeping snowberry blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Creeping snowberry need?
Light: Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist-Wet. Soil: Cold, acid soils. Mature height: Up to 6 in tall.
Is Creeping snowberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, larval host for Bog Fritillary.
Is Creeping snowberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Creeping snowberry is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy Creeping snowberry?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Gaultheria hispidula by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Creeping snowberry.
- Sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia
- Tamarack Larix laricina
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Bog Labrador tea Ledum groenlandicum
- American cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon
Also listed under
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