Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Phyllodoce

Species:

Phyllodoce empetriformis

USDA Symbol:

PHEM

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Subshrub

Height:

40 cm

Light Requirements:

Part Shade

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

pink, rose

Ground Cover:

Yes

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

acidic, well-drained, organic-rich soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (strongly acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

thrives in alpine and subalpine environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow on moist, acidic medium.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI