Bell heather

Erica cinerea

Up to 50 cm tall. A hairless and evergreen undershrub. Leaves are narrow and needle-like; borne in whorls of three up the wiry stems. Flowers are 5-6 mm long, bell-shaped and purplish-red; appear in open clusters towards the stem tips.

What habitats does it normally live in?

Restricted to dry acid soils on heaths and moors.

What's its life cycle or behaviour pattern?

June-September

What is its current UK distribution?

Widespread in western Europe in suitable habitats but also occurs more locally as far north as southern Scandinavia and as far south as northern Italy.

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