Heather

Heather is an evergreen shrub plant with soft tiny needle-like leaves. Its small purple or white flower clusters bloom in July and August.

Heather is an indicator species of dry heath forests. It grows on sunny dry heathlands, rocks, in sandy areas and bogs. Heather favours light, and it does not thrive well in lusher sites shaded by trees. It can be found in almost all of Europe as well as in Asia Minor, Russia, North America and New Zealand.

Heather was once used extensively in households, as a broom, mattress padding, fuel and animal feed. Tea made from heather flowers is an excellent evening drink, thanks to its soothing and sleep-enhancing effect. Heather honey is highly valued.

The secret of its longevity and resilience lies beneath the soil, in its root system`s ability to regenerate. Heather easily recovers from forest fires; it can also survive drought or frost. Its seeds handle heat well and actually germinate best after forest fires.