Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
coccinea
ID:
672362

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 355 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000671694

Common Names

  • Erica coccinea
  • Heath Scarlet
  • Heather Scarlet

Searching for Erica coccinea? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Ectasis petiveri (L.) D.Don [valid]
  • Ectasis sebana (Donn ex Willd.) D.Don [valid]
  • Ectasis socciflora (Salisb.) G.Don [valid]
  • Erica cothurnalis Salisb. [valid]
  • Erica flava Waitz [valid]
  • Erica frondosa Salisb. [valid]
  • Erica pulvinitormis Salisb. [valid]
  • Ericoides coccineum (L.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Ericoides melastomum Kuntze [valid]
  • Ericoides petiveri Kuntze [valid]

Description

Erica coccinea (also called Scarlet Heath, among many other common names) is a small shrub that grows up to 1 meter in height. It has small, red flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. It prefers sandy soils and is found in coastal dunes and scrublands.

Uses & Benefits

Erica coccinea is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Erica coccinea sub. coccinea
Erica coccinea sub. uniflora E.G.H.Oliv. & I.M.Oliv.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Erica coccinea are white and bell-shaped, with yellow anthers. The seeds are small and round, and the seedlings are thin and delicate.

Searching for Erica coccinea? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Erica coccinea is an evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 1-2 m. It is best grown in full sun or partial shade in well-drained, acidic soil. Propagation is by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.

Where to Find Erica coccinea

Erica coccinea is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, Morocco, and Algeria.

Erica coccinea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Erica coccinea?

Erica coccinea

What is the family of Erica coccinea?

Ericaceae

What is the common name of Erica coccinea?

Scarlet heath

Species in the Erica genus

Erica abbottii, Erica abelii, Erica abietina, Erica accommodata, Erica acuta, Erica adnata, Erica aestiva, Erica affinis, Erica agglutinans, Erica aghillana, Erica albens, Erica albertyniae, Erica albescens, Erica albospicata, Erica alexandri, Erica alfredii, Erica algida, Erica alnea, Erica alopecurus, Erica alticola, Erica altiphila, Erica amalophylla, Erica amatolensis, Erica amicorum, Erica amidae, Erica amoena, Erica amphigena, Erica ampullacea, Erica andreaei, Erica andringitrensis, Erica aneimena, Erica anemodes, Erica anguliger, Erica angulosa, Erica annalis, Erica annectens, Erica anomala, Erica arachnocalyx, Erica arborea, Erica arborescens, Erica arcuata, Erica ardens, Erica arenaria, Erica areolata, Erica argentea, Erica argyraea, Erica aristata, Erica aristella, Erica aristifolia, Erica armandiana,

Species in the Ericaceae family