144548 BELL HEATHER Erica cinerea (Ericaceae) Height to 50cm
Hairless, evergreen undershrub of acid soils, typically favouring drier locations than Heather or Cross-leaved Heath. FLOWERS are 5-6mm long, bell-shaped and purplish red; borne in groups along the stem that sometimes appear like elongated spikes (Jun-Sep). FRUITS are capsules. LEAVES are narrow, dark green and borne in whorls of 3 up the wiry stems. STATUS-Widespread and locally common, especially in the N and W; it sometimes becomes the dominant plant on dry heaths and moors.
