Cassiope sp.
Moss heather, Moss Heather
(c) Robert Webster, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Robert Webster · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub · Variable; species dependent
Cassiope sp. (Moss heather) is a non-native California shrub in the Ericaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Rhododendron: Cassiope has scale-like leaves 2-5mm pressed to stem; Rhododendron has broad spreading leaves.; vs Menziesia: Cassiope has tiny appressed opposite leaves; Menziesia has broad spreading alternate leaves.; vs Phyllodoce: Cassiope has opposite scale leaves pressed to stem; Phyllodoce has alternate needle leaves spreading out.; vs Kalmia: Cassiope has solitary bell flowers; Kalmia has cup flowers with anther pockets.; vs Leucothoe: Cassiope has tiny scale leaves under 5mm; Leucothoe has large spreading leaves 15-80mm.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cassiope sp. native to California?
No. Cassiope sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Cassiope sp. belong to?
Cassiope sp. is in the Ericaceae family, genus Cassiope.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.