Heather

Calluna vulgaris

Up to 1.5 m tall. A much-branched, dense undershrub, often referred to as "ling". Leaves are short, narrow and scale-like; borne in four rows along stems. Flowers are 4-5 mm long, pinkish but sometimes almost white; borne in long terminal spikes.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Restricted to acid soils on heath and moors. In suitable locations, can form extensive ground cover.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

Flowers July-September

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread across most of Europe in suitable habitats. Absent from most of the Mediterranean.

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