Calluna
(from kalluno, to sweep, from the use of the plant in brooms). Common Ling; Heather. ORD. Ericaceae. A small hardy spreading shrub, very common throughout Northern and Central Europe. Corolla campanulate, fourlobed, shorter than the calyx. For culture, see Erica.
C. vulgaris (common).* fl. disposed in long, terminal, spicate racemes. July to September. l. trigonal, obtuse, very short, imbricating in four rows, having the margins revolute and the base sagittate. h. 1ft. to 3ft. Britain. There are numerous very ornamental varieties of this species, which are admirably adapted for planting in borders and clumps. The white-flowered (alba, Serlii, and Hammondi), flesh-coloured (carnea), and double-flowered varieties (fl.-pl.) are all well worth growing in shrubberies; aurea and argentea, with gold and silver coloured shoots, are also very ornamental. The value of the common form can scarcely be over-estimated for planting on barren hill sides or spaces; it affords excellent shelter for game, and food for bees.