View sketch

Moss Heather, Cassiope hypnoides (L.) D.Don
Ericaceae

Height: A tufted, evergreen, moss-like shrub, 1-7 cm high.

Leaves: Needle-like, sharp-pointed, 2-4 mm across, nodding and bell-shaped with 5 petals. They are solitary, on erect, slender, soft-hairy stalks at the ends of the branches. The calyx and flower stalk are wine-red in color. Blooms in June and July.

Fruit: Small, dry, many-seeded, globe-shaped capsules, 3-4 mm long.

Habitat: Found in alpine areas of western Newfoundland, the Great Northern Peninsula and Labrador.

Source: Native Trees and Shrubs
of Newfoundland and Labrador
By A. Glen Ryan

Used with permission from
Parks and Natural Areas Division
Department of Environment and Conservation
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 1995