Ericaceae

Cassiope mertensiana

White Heather

Low-growing shrub, densely matted from creeping roots. Stems reclining with erect tips. Leaves opposite, evergreen, concave but not rolled under. Flowers hang from near top of branch on reddish stalks, sepals reddish or green, flowers pure white, bell-shaped, with 5 lobes. Grows in subalpine and alpine areas, around rocks and in late snowmelt areas.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--12 inches
• Habitat: Alpine, Subalpine
• Found In: Olympic Np, Mt. Rainier Np, Wallowas, N Cascades Np
• Native: Yes