Besom heath (Erica scoparia, Sp. Pl.: 353 (1753))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 353 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erica

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Medit.

Description

Besom heath, scientifically named Erica scoparia, is a fascinating species that belongs to the Ericaceae family. First described in 1753 by the celebrated botanist Carl Linnaeus in “Species Plantarum,” this plant has garnered interest and admiration for its unique characteristics and adaptability.

Native to the Western and Central Mediterranean regions, Besom heath thrives in various landscapes, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of these areas. It is known for its bushy, evergreen growth habit, which makes it an attractive option for gardeners and horticultural enthusiasts alike.

Typically, Besom heath grows to a modest height, forming dense, compact shrubs. The foliage consists of slender, needle-like leaves that are a vibrant green, providing year-round color and texture to gardens and natural settings. During its blooming season, the plant produces small, urn-shaped flowers that are usually pale green to brownish in color. These flowers, though not particularly showy, play a crucial role in the plant’s life cycle, supporting pollinators and maintaining the ecological balance.

Erica scoparia is well adapted to Mediterranean climates, which are characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This adaptability makes it a resilient addition to various types of gardens, especially in regions that experience similar climatic conditions. Its ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils and its drought resistance further underline its hardiness.

Apart from its horticultural value, Besom heath has also been traditionally used in the making of brooms, hence the name “besom.” This practical use points to its sturdy, resilient branches that can be harvested and bound together.

In summary, Besom heath is a noteworthy member of the Ericaceae family, with a rich history dating back to its first classification by Linnaeus in the 18th century. Its resilient nature, coupled with its modest yet charming appearance, makes it a valuable plant for both natural and cultivated landscapes in Mediterranean regions.

Common Names

Deu: besenheide
Nld: bezemdophei
Eng: besom heath, green heather
En: Besom heath, Green heather
Ar: خلنج عقربي
Eu: Erratz-txilar
Ca: Bruc d’escombres
Co: Scopa feminiccia
Nl: Bezemdophei
Fi: Luutakellokanerva
Fr: Bruyère à balais, Brande
Gl: Uz das vasoiras
De: Besenheide, Grünblütige Heide
It: Erica da scope, Scopa gentile, Scopa, Scopiglio
Pt-br: Urze
Es: Brezo de escobas

Synonyms

• Erica absinthioides (Spreng.)
• Erica scoparia f. minima (Rehder)
• Erica fucata (Thunb.)
• Erica virgulata (J.C.Wendl.)
• Ericoides fucatum ((Thunb.) Kuntze)
• Erica leptostachya (Guthrie & Bolus)
• Chlorocodon scoparium ((L.) Fourr.)
• Ericoides scoparium ((L.) Kuntze)
• Erica scoparia var. minima (G.Don)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Corse (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Crozet Is. (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 30, 2019 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Lucie Voncová (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2015 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 23, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2022 by Quentin Lebert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Benjamin FOURNIER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Ronald Reupke (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 19, 2022 by Pascal Rabaland (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 23, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Ronald Reupke (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 17, 2020 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 20, 2021 by Barberousse (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2022 by Ronald Reupke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2020 by Valério Conceição (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2020 by Guillaume Seidenbinder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by Askin Altun (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 16, 2021 by Ravi romarin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 15, 2016 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Manuel Ibanez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2020 by Benjamin FOURNIER (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Luc Gorremans (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken May 31, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:329579-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7946667)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erica scoparia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 3