Clubmoss Mountain Heather (Cassiope lycopodioides)
Description
Cassiope lycopodioides, Haida Gwaii mountain-heather or clubmoss mountain heather, is a plant species native to southern Alaska, British Columbia, and the US State of Washington. It is found on rocky slopes in arctic and alpine tundra at elevations up to 2000 m. In Washington, it is reported only from King County. The specific epithet "lycopodioides" refers to the plant's superficial resemblance to some species of clubmoss (Lycopodium sensu lato). Cassiope lycopodioides subsp. cristapilosa, known only from the Haida Gwaii (formerly called the Queen Charlotte Islands), is recognized as a distinct taxon by some authorities but not others. Cassiope lycopodioides is a perennial herb forming mats lying close to the ground. Leaves are narrow, up to 3 mm long, closely pressed against the stem. Flowers are white, bell-shaped, up to 20 mm across.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Ericales
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Family: Ericaceae
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Genus: Cassiope
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