Calluna vulgaris Heather (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Calluna vulgaris
Heather
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Calluna vulgaris plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Heather. Some home gardeners know the variety as Erica vulgaris.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Calluna vulgaris
Common Name:  Heather
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  (L.)Hull.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Acid soils in open woodlands, moors and marshy ground[7].

General Uses: The branches have many uses, including in thatching, as a bedding or a stuffing for mattresses, for insulation, basketry, rope making and for making brooms[6, 7, 11, 46, 61, 66, 100, 254]. The dried branches are a good fuel[6, 66]. The rootstock can be made into musical pipes[254]. A yellow dye is obtained from the plant[7, 46, 61]. The bark is a source of tannin[46]. Heather can be grown as a low hedge and is quite useful as an edging to beds. It is fairly amenable to trimming[29]. A useful ground cover plant for covering dry banks[188, 197]. The cultivar 'White Lawn' has been recommended[188]. All except the very dwarf cultivars will need trimming each spring in order to keep them compact[208].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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