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Common Heather Calluna vulgaris 

 
 
Attracts BeesBees are attracted to this plant
Attracts ButterfliesButterflies are attracted to this plant
Attracts HoverfliesHoverflies are attracted to this plant
Perennial Life CyclePerennial life cycle
Cup-Shaped FlowersCup-shaped flowers
Lilac FlowersLilac flowers
4 Petals4 petals
Aug-Oct Flowering
period
Whorled LeavesWhorled leaves
Smooth-Edged LeavesSmooth-edged leaves
Round StemRound stem
Fibrous RootsFibrous roots
50cmMaximum height
 
 
  Main image of Common Heather
© 2021 Adrian Briggs
 

Common Heather is a native perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in heath and moorland, to a mature height of up to 50cm.

Heather is a low-growing woody shrub. It has stem leaves and collections of tiny leaves arranged in rows along small spikes off its main stem. Heather flowers may be lilac, shades of pink or white. Each flower of four petals is surrounded by four sepals, giving the impression of eight petals.

Botanic classification and naming: Common Heather is a member of the Heath (Ericaceae) family. The genus name 'Calluna' identifies the plant as a Heather and its species name 'vulgaris' means 'common species'.

 
Flower of Common Heather

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Flowers:
Common Heather usually flowers between August and October.

Flower colour:

Flower Colour Lilac

Lilac

Flower shape:

Flower Shape  Cup

Cup

Petals:

Petal Number =  4

4

Leaf of Common Heather

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Leaves:

Leaf Shape:

Leaf Shape is Whorled

Whorled

Leaf Margins:

Leaf Margin is smooth

smooth

Stem of Common Heather

© 2021 Adrian Briggs

 

Stem and Roots:

Stem shape:

Stem Shape is Round

Round

Root type:

Root Type is Fibrous

Fibrous