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Erica arborea - Tree Heath

Updated: 1 day ago

Explore Erica arborea (Tree Heath) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Common Names: Tree Heath, White Heather

Erica arborea | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Tree Heath, White Heather

Family: Ericaceae

Appearance: An evergreen shrub or small tree with needle-like leaves and clusters of small, white, bell-shaped flowers.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen

Layer: Shrub/Small Tree

Root System: Features a fibrous root system

Height: Up to 7 meters

Width: Can spread up to 3 meters

Lifespan: Several decades

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: Not known hazards

Erica arborea | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

  • Native Range: Mediterranean region, East Africa, and Southern Europe

  • Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean shrubs and trees

  • Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive

  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 10

  • Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified

Resistance/Tolerance

  • Poor Soil: High tolerance

  • Drought: High tolerance once established

  • Shade: Moderate tolerance

  • Flood: Low tolerance

  • Wind: High tolerance

  • Maritime: High tolerance

  • Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

  • Fire: Moderate tolerance

Thriving Conditions

  • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade

  • Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions

  • Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils

  • Soil PH: Prefers acidic to neutral (5.0 - 7.0)

Propagation

  • Seeds: Can be grown from seed; requires light for germination

  • Cuttings: Yes, typically semi-hardwood cuttings

Erica arborea | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not typically used as an edible plant

Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its diuretic properties

Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics

Animal Feed: Not typically used as animal feed

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: The wood, particularly the root, is valued for making smoking pipes (briar wood)

Firewood: Can be used as firewood

Wind Break: Effective as a windbreak due to its dense growth

Fence: Can be used as a natural barrier plant

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other pollinators

Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various insects and small animals

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