Status:
valid
Authors:
H.A.Baker
Source:
cmp
Year:
1961
Citation Micro:
J. S. African Bot. 27: 267 (1961)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000673499
Common Names
- Erica umbrosa
- Shady Heath
- Shady Bell Heather
Synonyms
- Ericoides armatum (Klotzsch ex Benth.) Kuntze [valid]
- Erica armata armata [valid]
Description
Erica umbrosa (also called Heath, among many other common names) is a low-growing, evergreen shrub that typically grows to 0.3–0.6 m (1–2 ft) tall. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and is typically found in dry, acidic soils in heathland, woodland, and scrub habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Erica umbrosa is a popular ornamental plant, often used in rock gardens and as a border plant. It is also used to attract bees and other pollinators to the garden.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Erica umbrosa has small, white to pink flowers, with four petals, and a yellow centre. The seeds are small and brown, and the seedlings have small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Erica umbrosa is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to South Africa. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems and should be about 4 inches long. Place the cuttings in a potting mix of equal parts sand and peat moss and keep them moist until they root, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks.
Where to Find Erica umbrosa
Erica umbrosa can be found in the Mediterranean region, especially in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.
Erica umbrosa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Erica umbrosa?
Erica umbrosa
What is the common name of Erica umbrosa?
Shady heath
What is the natural habitat of Erica umbrosa?
It is found in rocky areas, dry heaths, and grasslands in the Mediterranean region
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