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