UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Winter Heather

Shrub Icon Cultivated Flower    
Image of Winter Heather
Erica carnea
Family: Ericaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Winter Heather
Scientific Name Erica carnea
MainColor Pink
PlantType Shrub Icon Shrub
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found February (Dec - Apr)
ImageUrl Erica-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 05 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Erica carnea is a low-growing evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and bell-shaped flowers that range in colour from pink to purple. It typically blooms in late winter to early spring, providing early nectar for pollinators.

Distribution

Native to the mountainous regions of Central and Southern Europe, it is commonly found in alpine and subalpine habitats. It is widely cultivated in gardens for its hardiness and early flowering.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Inedible - not consumed by humans due to lack of nutritional value and potential bitterness.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

Non Toxic - no known harmful effects on humans.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Non Toxic - safe for pets including cats and dogs.

Active Compounds

None known.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙