Phyllodoce empetriformis

Pink Mountain Heather

Pink Mountain Heather
aka Red Mountain Heather. “These cheerful bells ring an invitation to high places above the timber line, to those serene and lofty slopes where peace and quiet enter our souls” (Clark, “Wildflowers of the Pacific Northwest”). A subalpine boulder garden filled with the subtle perfume of pink heather is a special place indeed. The dazzling pink-rose 1/2″ (13 mm) flowers can be so packed on the evergreen shrub (up to 2′) that it becomes a blaze of color. Common in meadows and moist slopes between 5,000′ to 8,000′ elevation.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Phyllodoce was a sea nymph in early Greek mythology

Species:

empetriformis means 'Empetrum-leafed' for resemblance to crowberry
Photo location: From several locations including PCT east of Naches Peak, Upper Van Trump Park, Sourdough Ridge and Summerland.