Heather, Scotch heather
Callune commune, "fausse bruyére"
Colluna vulgaris is the sole species in the genus Calluna and is referred to as "Erica" in old references. In the 19th century, the British botanist, Richard Anthony Salisbury, separated it from the closely related genus 'Erica', and devised the generic name 'Calluna' from the Greek "kallunein" for "beautify, or sweep clean" in reference to its traditional use in brooms.
Three genera comprise what are often referred to as "heather":
Calluna (true heather) with small scale-like leaves
Erica (heath), with needle-like leaves
Daboecia (St. Dabeoc's heath) which is less hardy with slightly broader, alternate needle-like leaves
Calluna vulgaris is a low-growing perennial shrub found widely in Europe and Asia. It has naturalized in Northeast and Northwest US. It is sometimes referred to as summer or autumn heather to distinguish it from winter or spring flowering species of Erica.
The roots release an alleopathic substance that can inhibit the growth of other plants. It requires acidic soil, thus is a good indicator of low pH soil levels.
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| Blossoms. Ochre Cliffs, Roussillon.9.25.14 |
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| Scale-like leaves; 'Calluna' has scale leaves in opposite pairs shaped like an 'x'; 'Erica' has scale leaves in whorls of 3 -4 |
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| Form |
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| Illustration by Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé, 1885 |
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