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clubmoss mountain heather

Scientific Name: Cassiope lycopodioides var. lycopodioides

Family: Ericaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Subshrub, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Clubmoss Mountain Heather (Cassiope lycopodioides)

Cassiope lycopodioides, commonly known as Clubmoss Mountain Heather, is a perennial subshrub belonging to the Ericaceae (Crowberry) family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a subshrub and shrub.
  • Grows as a creeping plant with string-like stems.
  • Leaves are similar to scales set in lines.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cassiope lycopodioides (Pall.) D. Don
  • Family: Ericaceae (Crowberry family)
  • Rank: Species, variety.
  • Synonyms: Andromeda lycopodioides
  • Common Names: Clubmoss Mountain Heather, Haida Gwaii Mountain-heather, Clubmoss Cassiope, Ground Pine Heather, Club-moss Mountain-heather.
  • Subspecies:
    • Cassiope lycopodioides var. cristapilosa
    • Cassiope lycopodioides var. lycopodioides
  • Kingdom: Plantae (plants)
  • Divisio: Magnoliophyta (flowering)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern Alaska, British Columbia.
  • Also found in Kamchatka, Russia, and Disko-Bay, Greenland.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Perennial subshrub or shrub.
  • Grows up to 5cm high.
  • Creeping plant with string-like stems.
  • Leaves are similar to scales set in lines.
  • Stems are up to 2 mm in diameter.
  • Small, bell-shaped flowers.

Quirky Facts

  • Nicknamed "Whiskers on the rocks!"

Related Species

  • Very similar to white mountain-heather, but smaller.
  • Other Cassiope species include:
    • Cassiope mertensiana (Western Mountain Heather, Mertens' Moss Heather)
    • Cassiope hypnoides (Moss bell heather)
    • Cassiope fastigiata

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Cassiope lycopodioides.
  • Dave's Garden: Tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.