Everything about Calluna totally explained
Calluna vulgaris (also known as Ling) is the sole species in the
genus Calluna in the family
Ericaceae. It is the true
Heather of
Europe, and National Flower of
Norway. However it also has an affiliation to
Scotland and is the most common heath in the
United Kingdom. It is a small
perennial shrub growing to 20-50 cm tall (rarely to 1 m), and is found widely in Europe and
Asia Minor on well-drained
acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade. It is tolerant of moderate grazing and can regenerate following occasional burning. It is often managed in nature reserves using a light burning method.
It is a common, often dominating,
component of
heath and
moorland habitats,
and also on
peat bogs and in open
pine forests.
It is separated from the closely related genus
Erica by its four-parted
corolla and
calyx. The flowers emerge in late summer, and in the wild species these are usually in purple or mauve shades.
Heather is an important food source for various sheep and deer which can graze the tips of the plants when snow covers low growing vegetation.
Red Grouse feed on young shoots and seeds. Both adult and
larva of the
Heather Beetle Lochmaea suturalis feed on it, and can cause extensive mortality in some instances. The larvae of a number of
Lepidoptera species also feed on the plant - see
list of Lepidoptera which feed on Heather.
Cultivation and uses
Heather is a very popular
ornamental plant in
gardens and for landscaping. There are many named
cultivars selected for variation in flower color, and for different foliage color and growing habits.
Different cultivars have flower colors ranging from white, through pink and a wide range of purples, and including reds. The flowering season with different cultivars extends from late July to November in the northern hemisphere. The flowers may turn brown but still remain on the plants over winter, and this can lead to interesting effects.
Cultivars with ornamental foliage are usually selected for reddish and golden leaf color. A few forms can be silvery grey. Many of the ornamental foliage forms change color with the onset of winter weather, usually increasing in intensity of colour. Some forms are grown for distinctive young spring foliage.
The plant was introduced to
New Zealand and has become an
invasive weed in some areas, notably the
Tongariro National Park, overgrowing native plants.
Heather beetles have been released to stop the heather, with preliminary trials successful to date
(External Link
).
The generic name
Calluna is derived from a
Greek word meaning 'to sweep', as the plant was used to make brooms. The specific name
vulgaris is derived from a
Latin word for 'common'.
Heather is an ingredient in
gruit, a mixture of flavourings used in the brewing of
beer during the
Middle Ages before the use of
hops. The use of heather in the brewing of the modern heather beer is carefully regulated. By law the heather must be cleaned carefully before brewing, as the undersides of the leaves may contain a dusting of an
ergot-like fungus, which is a hallucinogenic intoxicant.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Calluna'.
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