Heather, the national flower of Norway, is a small perennial shrub growing to 20-50 cm tall (rarely to 1 m), and is found widely in Scotland and is the most common heath in the United Kingdom. It is found in Europe and Asia Minor on well-drained acidic soils in open sunny situations and in moderate shade. It is tolerant of moderate grazing and can regenerate following occasional burning. It is often managed in nature reserves using a light burning method. It is a common, often dominating, component of heath and moorland habitats, and also on peat bogs and in open pine forests.

The flowers emerge in late summer, and in the wild species these are usually in purple or mauve shades.

Heather is an important food source for various sheep and deer which can graze the tips of the plants when snow covers low growing vegetation. Red Grouse feed on young shoots and seeds.

Legend of White Heather