Common Heather
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COMMON HEATHER
Calluna vulgaris
Common Heather, or ‘Ling’, has small, delicate pink flowers arranged linearly along its stems. When in flower, during late summer , this heather provides the classic swathe of purple seen across the UK’s heathlands and moorlands.
Its scientific name ‘Calluna’ is most likely derived from the Greek word ‘to sweep’ – heather was once used to make brooms; its wiry stems serving as highly effective bristles.
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- Heather on the Thames Basin Heaths by Gary Attfield
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- Grayling butterfly by Rob Solomon
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- Purple spectacular by Martin D’Arcy
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Where/when to find it
It can be found flowering from late July through to September on heathland and moorland throughout the UK.
Adaptations
Common Heather forms a thick, bushy carpet close to the ground, helping it to survive strong winds in an open landscape. Like Cross-leaved Heath, its narrow needle-like leaves minimise water loss in windy conditions. Heather stems are woody and tough.
Rarity
Common and widespread throughout the UK.
Read more
On Plant Life’s website: Heather
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