western moss-heather
ExplorePlants
western moss-heather
Cassiope mertensiana
Western moss-heather is a small, beautiful plant that grows in cool, rocky places. It has lovely pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer, making it a pretty sight in nature.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The western moss-heather is a low-growing evergreen shrub, forming dense mats. It has tiny, overlapping scale-like leaves, giving it a mossy texture. Its delicate, white to pinkish, bell-shaped flowers dangle downwards from short stalks.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusCassiope
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It can live for many decades, bravely facing harsh mountain weather year after year!
Its tiny leaves feel scaly, like miniature dragon scales found on the mountain slopes!
Many call it 'White Heather' because of its charming, delicate, white bell-shaped flowers.
This hardy plant often grows right where the snow melts, loving cool, damp soil.
Special abilities
Ability
Alpine Survivor
Western moss-heather has tiny, scale-like leaves that help it reduce water loss in dry, windy mountain environments.
Ability
Snow Shield
Its low, mat-forming growth protects it from harsh winds and heavy snow, allowing it to thrive in tough alpine zones.
Ability
Winter Green
Western moss-heather is evergreen, meaning it keeps its leaves all year round, ready to photosynthesize whenever possible.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-30 cm
- Spread
- 10-50 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.4-0.8 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to mid-summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
two-form bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
collects nectar and pollen
pollinates
honey bee
Apis mellifera
gathers nectar from its flowers
eaten by
mule deer
Odocoileus hemionus
browses its evergreen foliage
eaten by
mountain goat
Oreamnos americanus
grazes on the tough leaves
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is western moss-heather?
5-30 cm
How wide does western moss-heather spread?
10-50 cm
How big are the flowers on western moss-heather?
0.4-0.8 cm
When does western moss-heather bloom?
Late spring to mid-summer
Is western moss-heather edible?
No
Is western moss-heather toxic?
None
What is western moss-heather's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is western moss-heather pollinated?
Insect
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