Epigaea is a genus of three species of flowering plants in the Ericaceae. They are small creeping shrubs growing to 10-20 cm tall, forming large patches. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, entire, and 2-10 cm long. The flowers are small, white or pink, with a five-lobed tubular corolla, produced in mid spring. The fruit is a dry capsule with numerous small seeds.

There are three species:

• Epigaea asiatica (Iwanashi). Japan. Leaves with an acutely pointed apex.
• Epigaea gaultherioides. Georgia and northeastern Turkey.
• Epigaea repens (Mayflower or Trailing Arbutus). Eastern North America. Leaves with a rounded or bluntly pointed apex.

E. repens is listed as an endangered species in some U.S. states.

Symbolism

The name Mayflower was in tradition given to E. repens by the Pilgrim Fathers after their ship the Mayflower; the plant was abundant where the ship landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. For this reason, it was chosen to be the state flower of Massachusetts. It is also the provincial flower of Nova Scotia. The name Trailing Arbutus reflects its similarity to the trees in the related genus Arbutus, while being much smaller and prostrate on the ground.

Cultivation and uses

All three species are grown as ornamental plants in rockeries, where they require moist, acidic soil. A hybrid between E. repens and E. asiatica, Epigaea × intertexta has also been developed for garden planting.

Ericaceae | Flora of Nova Scotia | Flora of Massachusetts