Pyrola rotundifolia - Round-leaved Wintergreen- (Pyrolaceae)

This wonderfully scented wildflower is becoming more rare and is in decline across its range. It is very localised in the UK and is recorded from a very small area of Ireland.

Round-leaved Wintergreen is more common in northern and central European countries including Slovenia where it flowers in June, July and August.

Round-leaved Wintergreen

This plant grows on damp calcareous substrates, particularly in dune slacks, bogs, fens and in woodlands. In Wales there are two good places to see this wildflower, Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve in Anglesey and Kenfig National Nature Reserve in the south. Newborough Warren, in particular, has fine colonies of this plant, while at Kenfig Round-leaved Wintergreen is extending its territory and numbers of plants are increasing.

Closeup of Round-leaved Wintergreen flowers

Pyrola rotundifolia flowers from May right through to August.

The plants on this page were photographed at Newborough Warren National Nature Reserve in July.