Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
vulgaris
ID:
581505

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Hill

Source:
cmp

Year:
1808

Citation Micro:
Brit. Fl. , ed. 2, 1: 114 (1808)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000580837

Common Names

  • Vulgaris Heather
  • Vulgaris Ling
  • Vulgaris Plant

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Synonyms

  • Calluna atlantica Seem. [valid]
  • Calluna beleziana Rouy [valid]
  • Calluna ciliaris Schur [valid]
  • Calluna elegantissima Sennen [valid]
  • Calluna erica DC. [valid]
  • Calluna genuina Ducommun [valid]
  • Calluna sagittifolia Gray [valid]
  • Calluna vulgaris alba (Weston) G.Don [valid]
  • Calluna vulgaris alba (Weston) Braun-Blanq. [valid]
  • Calluna vulgaris elegantissima (Sennen) Mateo [valid]
  • Calluna vulgaris purpurea G.Don [valid]
  • Calluna vulgaris purpurea (G.Don) Braun-Blanq. [valid]
  • Erica confusa Gand. [valid]
  • Erica vulgaris L. [valid]
  • Ericoides vulgaris (L.) Merino [valid]

Description

Calluna vulgaris (also called Common Heather, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Ericaceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean region and grows in dry, rocky habitats. It is an evergreen shrub with small, needle-like leaves and small, pink flowers.

Uses & Benefits

Calluna vulgaris is a popular ornamental shrub, often used in landscaping and gardening. It is also used as a windbreak and for erosion control. The leaves are used in herbal medicine.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Calluna vulgaris has small, bell-shaped flowers that are usually pink or purple. The flowers are surrounded by a pair of small bracts. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are very small and have a single, narrow leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Calluna vulgaris is an evergreen shrub native to Europe and Asia. It is best grown in well-drained, acidic soil in full sun or partial shade. It can be propagated from seed, but it is slow-growing and may take several years to reach a mature size. It can also be propagated from cuttings, but this is a difficult process and may not be successful.

Where to Find Calluna vulgaris

Calluna vulgaris is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in many areas of Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece.

Calluna vulgaris FAQ

What is the common name of Calluna vulgaris?

Heather

What is the natural range of Calluna vulgaris?

Europe and Asia

What is the growth habit of Calluna vulgaris?

Low-growing evergreen shrub

Species in the Calluna genus

Species in the Ericaceae family

References

Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
John Hull (1761-1843): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Hull' in the authors string.