Plant · GBIF taxon 5333411
Bell Heather
Erica cinereaAlso known as Fine-leaved Heath, Twisted Heath, Purple Heather
Bell heather paints dry European heathlands with brilliant reddish-purple bell-shaped blossoms from midsummer into early autumn. Its dark green, needle-like leaves grow in tight whorls of three on fine woody stems that thrive in acidic, nutrient-poor soils. Dense carpets of this evergreen shrub provide vital late-season nectar for native bees and shelter for specialized heathland insects.
FloweringEvergreenHeathland
1 / 7—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Acidic Soil Minerals
Predators
- Red Deer
- Mountain Hare
- Ruby Tiger Moth Caterpillar
ThreatsHabitat loss from agriculture, overgrazing, scrub encroachment, fire suppression
HabitatsDry heaths, moorlands, acidic pine woods, coastal cliffs
Life span15–30 years
Classification
- OrderEricales
- FamilyEricaceae
- GenusErica
- SpeciesErica cinerea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Peak Blooming: Visit dry heathlands from July to September to see vibrant purple displays.
- Identification Cues: Look for deep magenta-purple bell flowers and leaves grouped in whorls of three.
- Trail Etiquette: Stick to designated footpaths to avoid trampling sensitive heathland soils.
Pollinator (c) Benoit NABHOLZ, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Benoit NABHOLZ · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Andreas Rockstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Carminda Santos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Carminda Santos · cc-by
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