Wild heather

Description:

Calluna vulgaris, the sole species in the genus Calluna in the family Ericaceae, is a low-growing perennial shrub growing to 20 to 50 centimetres tall and found in Europe and Asia Minor on acidic soils. Its mauve flowers emerge in late summer.

Habitat:

Found here in the Alps above the tree line (alt. 2000 m ASL), sharing its habitat with rhododendrons and blueberry shrubs (the blueberry shrubs are turning red at this time of year).

Notes:

Heather is an important food source for some wild and dmoesric mammals which can graze the tips of the plants when snow covers low-growing vegetation.