Heather


Heather

This genus consists of a single species of evergreen shrublet that is closely related to Erica. There are over 300 variants of C. vulgaris, grown for their year-round interest. Flowering heather dries well, retaining its color for years, and white heather is considered lucky. Calluna come from the Greek kalluno, "to sweep", as it was used in brooms. It was also gathered for fuel (the common name "ling" is from the Anglo-Saxon lig, "fire"), and used in thatch. Heather is widely used as a medicinal plant in northern and upland Europe. Heather honey is an important product in these areas and also has reputed therapeutic properties. It has a pungent flavor, clear, dark amber color, and thixotropic texture, which makes it difficult to extract, but is is excellent for cut honeycomb.

Dense, evergreen shrublet, with numerous, tortuous, rooting branches, and very small, stalkless leaves. Loose racemes, 3-15cm (1¼-6in) long, of small, pink-purple, bell-shaped flowers appear from late summer.


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