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Erica tetralix - L.

Common Name Bog Heather, Crossleaf heath
Family Ericaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Bogs, wet heaths and moors, rarely on drier soils[17].
Range Western Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia to Spain east to N. Germany and Poland.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Wet Soil Full sun
Erica tetralix Bog Heather, Crossleaf heath


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Erica_spp_Sturm47.jpg
Erica tetralix Bog Heather, Crossleaf heath

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Erica tetralix is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Broom  Dye

Stems are used for making brooms, brushes etc[109]. A yellow dye is obtained from the plant[46, 61]. Plants can be grown as a ground cover[208]. They should be clipped in the spring in order to encourage denser growth[208].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest  Ground cover

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Requires a light lime-free loam[1]. A calcifuge plant, requiring a pH below 6[186]. Grows best in a poor soil[11]. Resents dry soils[1], doing well in boggy areas[186]. Prefers an open situation[1]. A good bee plant[108]. There are many named forms, selected for their ornamental value[188]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is branching: a heart root, dividing from the crown into several primary roots going down and out [2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow in a sandy compost in a cold frame in spring. Keep moist. Prick out the plants as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant them in their permanent positions when they are 5 - 8cm tall[11]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 3cm long taken from twiggy lateral growths near the base of the plant, July/August in a frame. Remove the leaves from the bottom part of the stem without causing any damage to the bark. The cuttings root in a few weeks if they are given some bottom heat. Plant out in spring[11]. Layering in spring or autumn. Plants can be 'dropped' and then dug up and divided about 6 - 12 months later. Dropping involves digging up the plant and then replanting it about 15 - 20cm deeper in the soil to encourage roots to form along the stems[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain, France, Portugal

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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Subject : Erica tetralix  
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