Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull
Common Heather
Heather, or ling, is the quintessential native dwarf shrub of Britain's open uplands and lowland heaths, the sole species in its genus. It forms low, wiry, evergreen carpets of densely branched stems clothed in tiny, scale-like leaves, and from late summer turns whole hillsides purple with countless small, bell-like flowers, typically pinkish-mauve but occasionally white.
About
Heather, or ling, is the quintessential native dwarf shrub of Britain's open uplands and lowland heaths, the sole species in its genus. It forms low, wiry, evergreen carpets of densely branched stems clothed in tiny, scale-like leaves, and from late summer turns whole hillsides purple with countless small, bell-like flowers, typically pinkish-mauve but occasionally white.
It is the defining plant of acid, nutrient-poor ground, dominating moorland, heath, bog margins and open woodland on peaty or sandy soils in full sun or light shade. Flowering mainly from August into autumn, it is a hugely important late-season nectar source, prized by honeybees for the distinctive heather honey it yields, as well as feeding bumblebees, solitary bees and many moths; it also shelters and feeds birds, reptiles and insects. Excellent for acid-soil planting, naturalistic heathland schemes, wildlife gardens and ground cover in poor, free-draining sites.
Also known as
Heather · Heather, Ling · Ling · Ling Heather · Red-heath
Synonyms
Calluna alpestris · Calluna atlantica · Calluna belezeana · Calluna beleziana · Calluna brumalis · Calluna ciliaris · Calluna elegantissima · Calluna erica · Calluna erica condensata · Calluna erica hirsuta · Calluna genuina · Calluna hirsuta
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.