There are actually three common heathers in Scotland: Ling, bell heather and cross heath heather, so the flowering period is spread across the summer. The three heathers are all related so can probably be used in similar ways but this thread is about ling heather.
The name ling comes form the Norse or Anglo saxon word for fire which gives one of it's traditional uses as a firestarter - the small branches will catch easily when dry. The latin name calluna comes from another practical use, that of making brushes, so the greek word Kalluna meaning to brush (or clean).
Scotsman with heather besoms
As well as these uses it has also been used for making braided ropes for making into matting, holding down thatch and for gathering seaweed. It's durability in saltwater also made it useful for weaving creels and baskets for use on and in the water. Many houses in the highlands of Scotland and Northern England were thatched with heather, which made a durable and warm covering for the buildings from locally gathered material. By placing branches of heather with the flower tips uppermost a comfortable mattress was made in a box frame.
The plant is also used for dying, the flowers producing shades of yellow, purple, green and grey.
Animals such as deer and sheep will graze on the heather tips producing a more bushy plant. It is also a food plant for various insects and birds.
The flowers were used for brewing before the use of hops (and there is at least one commercial beer produced using heather in Scotland) and can also be used for an infusion with or without black tea. medicinally
heather is antisceptic and diuretic and is used for issues with the urinary system including cystitis and nephritis, gout, rheumatism and arthritis.
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