Ericaceae

Erica scoparia

Common Names: Besom heath

Plant Form: Perennial shrub. Size: Up to 2.5 m tall. Stem: Woody, brittle. Hairless even when young. Leaves: Very small 3.5-7 mm long, cylindrical, almost pine-like. In whorls of 3 or 4. Flowers: Tiny white or green and bell-shaped 1-2 mm long. Densely clustered along branches. Fruit and Seeds: Capsules containing numerous small seeds. Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides, forests, grasslands, riparian areas. Distinguishing Features: Smaller flowers than other invasive heaths (Erica species).