Common Name: |
Heather |
Other Names: |
Ling |
Botanical Name: |
Calluna vulgaris |
Genus: |
Calluna |
Family: |
Ericaceae |
Native Location: |
N and W Europe to Siberia, N Africa, the Azores |
Cultivation: |
Acid soil in an open, sunny position. Tolerates wet conditions in winter. Trim after flowering to maintain shape. |
Propagation: |
By semi-ripe cuttings in summer; by layering in spring. |
Harvest: |
Flowering shoots are cut in summer and dried for use in infusions. |
Height: |
10-60cm (4-24in) |
Width: |
45-75cm (18-30in) |
Variations: |
Alba Plena Has double white flowers Height: 30-45cm (12-18in) Width: 30-45cm (12-18in)
Beoley Gold Has yellow foliage and white flowers Height: 40cm (16in) Width: 60cm (24in)
Darkness has deep rose-purple flowers and dark green foliage. Height: 25cm (10in) Width: 35cm (14in)
Multicolor Is dwarf, with pink flowers and copper foliage, tinted orange, bronze, and yellow, and red all year. Height: 10cm (4in) Width: 25cm (10 in)
Silver Queen Has silver-gray foliage, lilac-pink flowers, and a spreading habit. Height: 40cm (16in) |
Hardiness: |
Z4-7 |
Parts Used: |
Flowering tips |
Properties: |
An astringent, diuretic, mildly sedative herb that induces perspiration and has antiseptic effects, especially on the urinary system. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for coughs and colds, diarrhea, kidney and urinary tract infections, arthritis, rheumatism, and nervous exhaustion. Used in homeopathy for arthritis, rheumatism, and insomnia. |
Culinary Uses: |
Dried flower heads are blended with other Scottish herbs, such as bramble, bilberry, wild thyme, and wild strawberry leaves, to make "Moorland tea". Heather honey is an ingredient of liqueurs, such as Drambuie and Irish Mist, and of Atholl Brose, a Scottish desert made from oatmeal, raspberries, cream, and Scotch whisky. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 150-151 |