Heather Calluna vulgaris 'Tricolorifolia'

Names

• Family

  Ericaceae

• Synonyms

  Heather, Scottish Heather, Ling

• Common names

  Calluna vulgaris 'Tricolorifolia'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Heather is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning or adverse health effects from ingesting this plant. As with any non-food plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could cause mild stomach upset or discomfort if ingested, but heather is generally considered safe.

• To pets

  Heather is also not commonly known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a toxic plant to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals by major pet poison helplines or organizations. However, as with any plant material, ingestion could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal upset for some animals due to individual sensitivities or if consumed in large quantities.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Evergreen

• Color of leaves

  Mixed

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  4-8

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds vibrant color and texture to gardens with its tri-colored leaves and pink flowers.
• Drought Tolerance: Once established, can survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care beyond occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
• Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
• Soil Erosion Control: Helps to prevent soil erosion with its dense, mat-forming growth habit.
• Hardy Nature: Can withstand harsh conditions including frost, making it ideal for cooler climates.
• Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with evergreen foliage and seasonal blooms.
• Versatile Landscaping: Can be used for ground cover, rock gardens, borders, and containers.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Diuretic: Heather is sometimes used for its diuretic effects, helping with urinary tract issues.
• Antiseptic: The plant has been used for its antiseptic properties, particularly in urinary and kidney ailments.
• Mild Sedative: Heather has a history of use as a mild sedative, particularly in folk medicine.
• Antirheumatic: It has been suggested to have antirheumatic effects, possibly helpful in managing symptoms of rheumatism.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The Heather plant's fibrous stems can be used in the crafting of small brooms, often referred to as "besoms," which are traditionally associated with cottage gardens and rustic households.
• Heather is sometimes used in the brewing of heather ale, a traditional Scottish beverage, offering a distinctive floral note to the beer.
• The plant has been used for dyeing wool and other fabrics, where it can provide a range of colors from yellow to green, depending on the mordant used.
• Heather twigs and foliage can be incorporated into thatched roofs, particularly in rural areas of Scotland and England, providing an additional layer of insulation and waterproofing.
• While not as common, heather can be used in the production of jewelry, where the wood is turned into beads or incorporated as part of decorative pieces.
• Calluna vulgaris can be placed in sachets along with other herbs to create natural moth repellents for wardrobes and drawers.
• In the art of bonsai, heather is occasionally cultivated for its small leaves and the potential to create a miniature landscape that mirrors the natural Scottish moors.
• Heather honey, made from bees that predominantly feed on heather nectar, is a unique and flavorful product distinct from other types of honey.
• In some traditional practices, heather was used as a bedding material for livestock, particularly in Scotland, where it provided warmth and comfort.
• Garden designers sometimes use dried heather in creating everlasting flower arrangements, as the plant retains its color well after drying.

Feng Shui

Heather is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

Heather is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as Heather, is often associated with protective qualities, perhaps stemming from its hardy nature and ability to thrive in challenging environments.
• Good Luck: Heather is traditionally considered a lucky charm, especially in Scottish lore, where it is thought to bring good fortune to those who keep it.
• Admiration: The small, delicate flowers of Heather are symbolic of admiration and the beauty found in simplicity.
• Solitude: Due to its preference for growing in barren and open spaces, Heather can symbolize a love for solitude and the enjoyment of one's own company.
• New Beginnings: Heather blooms in the late summer, a time often associated with new starts and the beginning of the harvest season, thus representing new beginnings.