Winter's Bark Drimys winteri var. chilensis
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Winter's bark is an evergreen shrub distinguished by its glossy, leathery leaves that exude a bold, aromatic scent when crushed. The leaves are typically green with a slightly paler underside and possess a lightly wavy margin, contributing to their attractive appearance. Upon closer inspection, one might also notice the distinct reddish-brown bark, which peels off in strips and has historical significance for its vitamin C content. During the blooming season, the plant comes to life with clusters of small white flowers. These flowers possess a subtle charm, with numerous delicate petals that attract pollinators, contributing to the plant's vitality. Following the flowering period, the plant produces small, rounded berries that may add yet another layer of visual interest to its profile. Overall, the appearance of Winter's bark is characterized by its intriguing texture and color, with a robust personality conveyed via its fragrant leaves and distinctive bark.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Winteraceae.
Synonyms
Winter's Bark, Chilean Winter's Bark, Canelo.
Common names
Drimys chilensis, Drimys winteri var. andina, Wintera aromatica, Wintera chilensis.
ToxicityTo humans
The most common common name for Drimys winteri var. chilensis is Winter's bark. It is not typically considered highly toxic to humans. However, the plant does contain certain compounds that can cause irritation or adverse reactions in some individuals if ingested. These include essential oils and alkaloids which, in large amounts, could potentially lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is advisable to avoid consuming any part of the plant to prevent any possible toxic effects.
To pets
Winter's bark is similarly not known to be highly toxic to pets. However, as with humans, the plant contains compounds such as essential oils and alkaloids which can be irritating and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. This could manifest as symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It is best to prevent pets from ingesting any part of the plant to avoid potential discomfort or adverse reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
15 feet [4.57 meters]
Spread
10 feet [3.05 meters]
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Aromatic foliage - Drimys winteri var. chilensis, commonly known as Winter's Bark, has leaves that release a pleasant aroma when crushed, which can enhance the sensory experience in a garden or natural space.
- Ornamental value - With its attractive evergreen leaves and peeling bark, Winter's Bark offers year-round visual interest, making it a popular choice for ornamental garden displays.
- Culinary use - The bark of Winter's Bark has been historically used as a spice and is noted for its cinnamon-like flavor, which can be utilized in various culinary applications.
- Wildlife habitat - This plant provides shelter and food for native wildlife, such as birds and insects, contributing to biodiversity.
- Traditional uses - Winter's Bark is known for its historical significance in traditional practices, including its use by indigenous peoples for various non-medical applications.
Medical Properties- Antifungal: Drimys winteri var. chilensis contains chemical compounds that have shown antifungal properties.
- Antibacterial: It is reported to have antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains.
- Antioxidant: The plant exhibits antioxidant activity due to the presence of flavonoids and other phenolic compounds.
- Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally, it has been used for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Analgesic: There is evidence suggesting that compounds extracted from this plant have pain-relieving abilities.
- Antipyretic: It has historically been used to reduce fever.
- Gastroprotective: Some components of Drimys winteri var. chilensis might have gastroprotective effects.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Canoe Caulking: The resin from the Chilean Winter's Bark can be used for sealing wooden canoes, as it is water-resistant and can protect the wood from leaking.
- Spice Substitute: The bark of the Chilean Winter's Bark has historically been used as a substitute for cinnamon in cooking and flavoring due to its aromatic properties.
- Dyeing: The bark contains tannins which can be used for dyeing fabrics and leather a reddish-brown color.
- Woodwork: The hard, dense wood of the Chilean Winter's Bark is suitable for fine woodwork, including furniture making and carving.
- Deterrent: The pungent smell of the leaves can be used as a natural insect repellent in closets or drawers to ward off moths and other insects.
- Gardening: The plant is cultivated as an ornamental garden shrub or small tree for its attractive evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers.
- Culinary Garnish: The flowers of the Chilean Winter's Bark, due to their visual appeal, can be used as a decorative garnish in gourmet cuisine.
- Aromatherapy: The essential oil derived from Chilean Winter's Bark can be used in aromatherapy for its refreshing and invigorating scent.
- Religious Rituals: Some indigenous cultures have historically used parts of the Chilean Winter's Bark in their religious ceremonies for its aromatic qualities.
- Windbreaks: In landscape architecture, the tree is employed to create windbreaks or natural barriers due to its dense growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Winter's Bark is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Winter's Bark is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Drimys winteri var. chilensis, commonly known as Chilean Winter's Bark, is native to the southern forests of Chile and Argentina, where it endures the harsh, cold climates, symbolizing the ability to withstand difficult conditions.
- Healing: Historically, the bark of Chilean Winter's Bark has been used for its medicinal properties, especially as a remedy against scurvy due to its high vitamin C content, representing healing and health.
- Protection: The aromatic and spicy bark of the Chilean Winter's Bark has been used in local traditions to ward off evil and bad spirits, symbolizing protection and safety.
- Purity: With its white flowers that bloom in spring, the Chilean Winter's Bark is often associated with purity and the cleansing of the spirit.
- Rarity: As it is a tree native to a limited geographic area with specific growing conditions, it can symbolize uniqueness and rarity.
WaterThe Winter's Bark should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. In general, this might mean watering the plant once every week or two, depending on the climate conditions and the season. When watering, apply water slowly at the base of the plant until the soil is saturated; typically, this might be around 1-2 gallons for a medium-sized shrub. Always avoid overwatering as Winter's Bark does not tolerate soggy soil well.
LightWinter's Bark thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be planted in a spot where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, although some afternoon shade can be beneficial in particularly hot climates to prevent leaf scorch.
TemperatureWinter's Bark prefers cool to moderate temperature conditions and is hardy in a range of 20°F to 75°F. It can tolerate brief periods of colder weather, down to about 0°F, and slightly higher temperatures, but sustained extreme temperatures outside of its comfort range can be harmful. Ideal growing conditions are cool summers with mild winters.
PruningWinter's Bark should be pruned to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches; this can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Pruning every 2 to 3 years is often sufficient unless shaping is required more often. The best time for extensive pruning is after the risk of severe frost has passed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinter's Bark thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of peat, perlite, and pine bark suits its needs for aeration and drainage.
RepottingWinter's Bark should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingWinter's Bark prefers a moderate humidity level around 50-60%, which mirrors its native environment settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Winter's Bark in bright, indirect light and keep it away from dry air vents.
Outdoor
Plant Winter's Bark in dappled shade with protection from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Chilean Winter's Bark (Drimys winteri var. chilensis) begins its life cycle with seed germination, which requires a moist, well-draining soil environment, and may take several weeks. Following germination, seedlings grow to develop a woody stem and evergreen leaves in a juvenile phase that can last for several years. As it matures, the Chilean Winter's Bark enters a vegetative stage, characterized by the growth of distinctive aromatic leaves and a sturdy trunk. The reproductive phase follows, with the plant producing small, fragrant, white or green-tinged flowers typically during spring, which are pollinated by insects. After successful pollination, the flowers develop into small, black, berry-like fruits containing seeds, which eventually fall to the ground and can lead to new plants if conditions allow. Throughout its lifetime, which can extend over many decades, this plant goes through cycles of growth and dormancy, adapting to seasonal changes in its native temperate rainforest habitat.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The Chilean Winter's Bark, Drimys winteri var. chilensis, can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer. The most popular method involves selecting healthy, disease-free branches and cutting segments approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length with several leaf nodes. These cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least two nodes are beneath the soil surface. They should be kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Successful rooting can often be observed within a few weeks to a couple of months, after which the new Chilean Winter's Bark plants can be gradually acclimatized to less controlled conditions before being planted out.