White Mountain Heather

White mountain heather (Cassiope tetragona), also known as Arctic bell-heather, is a small, evergreen shrub that is a classic representative of the high-alpine flora in the Canadian Rockies.

Identification

Low-growing (4–12 inches high), with small, scale-like, evergreen leaves that are densely arranged in four distinct rows along the branches, giving the stems a square appearance. The flowers are small, bell-shaped, and creamy white, nodding at the ends of fine stalks.

Habitat and Ecology

White mountain heather is primarily an arctic-alpine species and is found in the highest, coldest parts of the alpine zone. It often grows in areas with late-lying snow and provides important cover for small alpine animals. It is highly adapted to the extreme conditions of the high Rockies.

Viewing

Look for white mountain heather in the high basins and on the rocky slopes above Lake Agnes and in the West Bowl area in late July and August. It often grows in the same general habitat as other mountain heathers.