One-flowered wintergreen

The one-flowered wintergreen is a herbaceous perennial plant with rosette-like leaves. Its white, sweetly drooping and fragrant flower blooms in June and July. Because its flower resembles a human eye, it has been used as a folk remedy for eye problems. It is also believed to beautify the eyes of its user.

The one-flowered wintergreen is present in fresh forest heaths, peat forests, and can be found near brooks, springs and marshes. It is prevalent in Europe, Fennoscandia, North Russia and in the north and western parts of North America. The species is also occasionally found in Asia.

The favorite habitat of the one-flowered wintergreen is a natural state lush spruce forest with a uniform moss base. The species is sensitive to disturbances and it does not do well as widely-spread vegetation. One-flowered wintergreen benefits from protection of key biotopes such as spruce mires and small waters.