Heather

Perhaps England's most widely known wild flower, Heather is a tenacious and aggressive plant and completely carpets huge areas of moorland. Trample on it and you will make no impression on its wiry stems. Even extensive burning only sets it back temporarily.

Heather has an abundant range of economic uses. It provides food for sheep and grouse, material for fuel, thatching, basket-work, and brooms, and an orange dye. In some places it was used for flavoring ale. The dried flower heads make a good tea.