Dorset heath (Erica ciliaris, Sp. Pl.: 354 (1753))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 354 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Erica

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Europe to N. Morocco

Description

Dorset heath, scientifically known as Erica ciliaris, is a distinguished member of the Ericaceae family. This plant species holds historical significance, having been referenced as early as 1753 in the seminal work Species Plantarum by renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as L.

This charming shrub is native to the diverse and temperate regions of Western Europe, stretching its presence all the way to Northern Morocco. The robust adaptability of Dorset heath allows it to flourish across this extensive geographical range, thriving particularly in heathlands and moorlands where the acidic soils and open, sunny environments cater to its growth preferences.

Erica ciliaris is notable for its vibrant inflorescences, which typically blossom from late summer into autumn. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, making it not only a visual delight but also a vital component of its ecosystem. The plant’s characteristic foliage adds to its aesthetic appeal, with leaves that are finely ciliated—hence its Latin name ‘ciliaris’, referring to the fine hair-like structures adorning the edges of the leaves.

Efforts to preserve Dorset heath are crucial, as these plants play a significant role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological balance in their native habitats. Enthusiasts and conservationists alike endeavor to protect and propagate Erica ciliaris, ensuring that this species continues to thrive for generations to come.

Common Names

Eng: dorset heath, ciliate heath
Swe: dorsetljung
Nld: wimperdophei
Cym: grug dorset
En: Dorset heath, Ciliate Heath
Ar: خلنج هدبي
Eu: Txilar iletsu
Bg: Ресничест пирен
Kw: Grug an krestir
Nl: Wimperdophei
Gl: Carroucha veluda
Pt-br: Urze-ciliado
Ru: Эрика реснитчатая
Es: Argaña
Sv: Dorsetljung
Cy: Grug Dorset

Synonyms

• Ericoides ciliare ((L.) Kuntze)
• Erica ciliaris var. maweana ((Backh.) Bean)
• Erica ciliata (Bubani)
• Erica maweana (Backh.)

Distribution

• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)

Additional Images

© 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.

Flower

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Pedro Estevão (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Gervais Théo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Sonia Henno (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Florian Savary (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Pedro Estevão (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 30, 2020 by Rodríguez Riesgo Mónica (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 4, 2021 by Philippe de Spoelberch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 29, 2020 by Pedro Estevão (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 11, 2019 by Tela Botanica − José Luis Romero Rego (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 30, 1877 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5682320)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328419-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erica ciliaris L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 4.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’, ‘oct’]

Soil nutriments: 2