Ericaceae

Calluna vulgaris

Common Names: Heather

Plant Form: Compact, small shrub. Size: Usually less than 50 cm tall. Stem: Densely hairy when young, hairless and woody when older. Leaves: Tiny, scale-like, arranged in four rows along the stems. Flowers: Purple, pink, or white, pendent, bell-shaped, up to 4 mm long, with small reddish to green bracts at the base. Fruit and Seeds: Hairy capsules 2-2.5 mm long, hidden in spent, brown flower while maturing. Habitat: Open woodlands, heath, grasslands. Distinguishing Features: Differs from most native heaths (Ericaceae) in having eight stamens.

Buds and leaves

Growth form

Growth habit