Calluna vulgaris
Bruyère
Heather
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Les Maures |
| Flower colour | pink |
| Flower size | 2 mm |
| Flowering months | July, August, September, October |
| Leaf type | Scales |
| Height | 10-100 cm |
Description
A heather with many cultivars. A yellow dye is obtained from the twigs and flowers.
Calluna comes from the Greek word ‘kalluna’ meaning to sweep, as it was once used as a broom. In former times mattresses were filled with heather.
Flowers
Bell-shaped flowers, with 4 deeply lobed petals fused below and 4 sepals of the same colour as the petals.
Leaves
Scales leaves resemble green scales e.g. Cupressus, Juniperus. Linear, scale-like, opposite, 2-3 mm long.
Fruits Seeds
Capsule: with numerous seeds.
Edible
Honey is produced from the flowers. Flowers were once used to flavour beer.
Medical
Whole plant: antiseptic properties, in herbal medicine used to treat urinary tract problems. Astringent, diuretic, mildly sedative, induces perspiration.
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