Bog heather, Cross-leaf heath
Erica tetralix
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A small spreading shrub. It grows 30 cm high and spreads 50 cm across. The leaves are grey-green and sword shaped. They are arranged in rings of 4. They are silver underneath. The flowers are pale pink. Some varieties have dark, rose-red flowers. They are urn shaped and in groups at the ends of branches.
There are about 860 Erica species. Most are in South Africa.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in bogs and marshes. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Britain, Europe, France, Luxembourg, Norway, Scandinavia, Spain
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Petals, flowers, stems
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Klokkelyng