Common Heather
Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hill
Calluna vulgaris, known as Common Heather, is the only species in the genus Calluna within the Ericaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub that typically reaches heights of 20 to 50 centimetres, though it can occasionally grow up to 1 metre. This plant is native to regions including Newfoundland, British Columbia, and parts of Europe and Asia Minor, where it thrives in acidic soils under open, sunny conditions or in moderate shade.
Description
Calluna vulgaris is a low-growing shrub found in a range of locations such as Newfoundland, British Columbia, and several islands in the Atlantic, including Açores, Madeira, and the Azores. It is adapted to acidic soils and is commonly found in open, sunny habitats or in partial shade. The plant is the only member of the genus Calluna and is a prominent species in the Ericaceae family. It was first published in 1808 and is widely recognized for its ecological and ornamental value in its native range.
Other common names
Common HeatherHeatherHeather, LingLingRed HeatherRed-HeathScotch HeatherScots HeatherScottish Heather
Distribution
Newfoundland · British Columbia · New Brunswick · Nova Scotia · Prince Edward Island · Quebec · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · Açores · Madeira · Portugal Continental · Corvo Island · Faial Island · Flores Island · Graciosa Island · Pico Island · Santa Maria Island · São Jorge Island · São Miguel Island · Terceira Island · Madeira Island · DK · FI · IS · NO · SE · ZA · French Southern and Antarctic Lands Terres australes et antarctiques françaises (TAAF) · PT · Flanders · Corse (Corsica)
Synonyms
Calluna atlanticaCalluna belezianaCalluna ciliarisCalluna elegantissimaCalluna ericaCalluna genuinaCalluna sagittifoliaCalluna vulgaris var. albaCalluna vulgaris f. albaCalluna vulgaris subsp. elegantissimaCalluna vulgaris var. purpureaCalluna vulgaris f. purpureaErica ciliarisErica confusaErica eremocharisErica glabraErica herbaceaErica lutescensErica nanaErica prostrataErica reginaeErica sagittifoliaErica vulgarisErica vulgaris var. albaEricoides vulgarisErica vulgaris var. hirsutaErica vulgaris var. squarrosaErica vulgaris var. plenaErica gracilisErica tomentosa
