Bell Heather is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in dry heath and grassland, to a mature height of up to 50cm.
Bell Heather is named after the shape of its flowers, which have an enclosed bell-shape (sometimes called 'urn-shape') formed from a single fused petal, with a four-lobed opening. These are usually lilac to purple, but sometimes white. Bell Heather has fine needle-like leaves arranged in tufts, with three tufts per whorl around the stem.
Botanic classification and naming: Bell Heather is a member of the Heath (Ericaceae) family. The genus name
'Erica' identifies the plant as a Heath plant and its species name 'cinerea' means 'grey'.
Benefits: Bell Heather provides a rich source of nectar for pollinators.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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