Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
senilis
ID:
673889

Status:
valid

Authors:
Klotzsch ex Benth.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1839

Citation Micro:
Prodr. 7: 617 (1839)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000673221

Common Names

  • Senilis Heath
  • Senilis Heather
  • Senilis Ling

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Synonyms

  • Ericoides senile (Klotzsch ex Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Erica senilis senilis [valid]

Description

Erica senilis (also called old man's beard, among many other common names) is a small evergreen shrub with small, needle-like leaves and small bell-shaped flowers. It is native to South Africa, and it grows in acidic soils in heathlands, bogs, and other wet habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Erica senilis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and is also used as a hedge plant.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Erica senilis var. australis Dulfer

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The Erica senilis flower is white or pink and has a bell-shaped corolla. The seed is a small, dark brown nutlet. The seedlings are small, with narrow, linear leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Erica senilis is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that grows to about 1m (3ft) tall and wide. It has small, needle-like leaves and small, bell-shaped, yellow flowers in late spring and early summer. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by seed or cuttings.

Where to Find Erica senilis

Erica senilis is native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, and Italy.

Erica senilis FAQ

What is the scientific name of Erica senilis?

Erica senilis

What is the common name of Erica senilis?

Old Man's Beard

What is the natural habitat of Erica senilis?

Open heaths, moorlands, and woodlands

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

References

George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.
Johann Friedrich Klotzsch (1805-1860): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Klotzsch' in the authors string.