White Arctic Mountain Heather
Cassiope tetragona
- Native to:
- Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Labrador, Norway, Russia, Svalbard, Sweden, United States
iNaturalist: © wildchroma (iNaturalist #18731911)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Cassiope
- Species:
- Cassiope tetragona
- USDA Symbol:
- CATE11
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ross's tussock moth (Gynaephora rossii)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arctic and alpine tundra regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Germination can be erratic and slow.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Establishment: A. lemmonii is found on alpine talus slopes and ridges; from southern British Columbia south to California and east to the Rocky mountains.
Source: npn.rngr.net