What is Calluna vulgaris?
Q: What is Calluna vulgaris?
A: Calluna vulgaris is the sole species in the genus Calluna in the family Ericaceae. It is a low-growing perennial shrub.
Q: How tall does Calluna vulgaris typically grow?
A: Calluna vulgaris typically grows to be 20 to 50 centimetres tall, but rarely can be up to 1 metre tall.
Q: Where is Calluna vulgaris found?
A: Calluna vulgaris is found widely in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade.
Q: What type of vegetation is heather the dominant plant on?
A: Heather is the dominant plant on most heaths and moorland in Europe, and in some bog vegetation and acidic pine and oak woodland.
Q: Can heather tolerate grazing and occasional burning?
A: Yes, heather is tolerant of grazing and regenerates following occasional burning.
Q: How is heather typically managed in nature reserves and grouse moors?
A: Heather is often managed in nature reserves and grouse moors by sheep or cattle grazing, and also by light burning.
Q: When do the flowers of Calluna vulgaris emerge?
A: The flowers emerge in late summer; in wild plants these are normally mauve, but white-flowered plants also occur occasionally.
