White Arctic Mountain Heather
Cassiope tetragona
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
White Arctic Mountain Heather (Cassiope tetragona) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag White Arctic Mountain Heather as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–8" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MT, WA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
White arctic mountain heather is a tiny evergreen shrub that forms neat, compact mats close to the ground. This alpine native produces delicate white bell-shaped flowers in summer and maintains its small, scale-like foliage year-round.
In an HOA neighborhood
White Arctic Mountain Heather takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely low profile may appear sparse or dead to unfamiliar viewers
- Alpine appearance doesn't match typical suburban landscaping expectations
- Very small size makes it unsuitable for prominent front yard plantings
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and beetles, providing nectar during the peak growing season. Its low, dense growth can offer shelter for small ground-dwelling insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does White Arctic Mountain Heather need?
- White Arctic Mountain Heather grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does White Arctic Mountain Heather bloom?
- White Arctic Mountain Heather blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is White Arctic Mountain Heather native?
- White Arctic Mountain Heather (Cassiope tetragona) is native to MT, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is White Arctic Mountain Heather toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag White Arctic Mountain Heather as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does White Arctic Mountain Heather attract?
- White Arctic Mountain Heather draws bees and beetles.
- Is White Arctic Mountain Heather HOA-friendly?
- White Arctic Mountain Heather takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow White Arctic Mountain Heather? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz