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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
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