Calluna Heather

Calluna vulgaris (common heather, ling), a perennial shrub found widely in Europe and Asia Minor, has been used for dying wool, tanning leather and making brooms.

Calluna vulgaris (known as common heather, ling, or simply heather) is a low-growing perennial shrub growing to 20 cm to 1 metre, found widely in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade. It is the dominant plant in most heathland and moorland in Europe, and in some bog vegetation and acidic pine and oak woodland. It is tolerant of grazing and regenerates following occasional burning, and is often managed in nature reserves and grouse moors by sheep or cattle grazing, and also by light burning.

Uses

Besom Broom
Besom Broom
  • Dying wool yellow
  • Tanning leather
  • ‘Besoms’ (traditional brooms)
  • With malt, heather is an ingredient in gruit, a mixture of flavourings used in the brewing of heather-beer during the Middle Ages before the use of hops.
  • In traditional Austrian medicine as tea for disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract.

Potential Uses

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Processes

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More Information

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calluna

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