Calluna vulgaris
Family: Ericaceae
Perennial woody shrub. Native to the British Isles, Europe, Asia
minor, Siberia and North America. This handsome and tough plant is deeply
woven into the collective heart and consciousness of most Americans.
Covering entire ecologies within its native range, it is not surprising
that Heather is used in multiple ways. The tea of the flowers contains
some arbutin, and is a mild folk remedy for urinary tract infection and
gravel. The dried flowers make a substitute for hops in beer.
They are also used as an ingredient in “moorland tea,” which is composed
additionally of the dried leaves of bilberry, blackberry, speedwell, thyme
and wild strawberry. The herb makes a yellow dye. The dark amber
honey produced by bees working Heather is particularly choice. Cultivation:
Challenging. Sow in fall, midwinter or very early spring. Press
the tiny seeds firmly into the surface of potting soil or outdoor nursery
bed, and cover with a thin organic mulch. Compress again. Keep
moist and shaded. Multi-cycle and irregular germinator. Plant
1 foot apart. Flowers lilac, to 1 foot tall.
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