Briar Root

Erica arborea

Native to:
Albania, Algeria, Baleares, Bulgaria, Chad, Corse, DR Congo, East Aegean Is., Eritrea, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Kriti, Morocco, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Rwanda, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Somalia, Spain, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Uganda, Yemen

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ericaceae
Genus:
Erica
Species:
Erica arborea
USDA Symbol:
ERAR28

Growth Characteristics

Height:
700 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may
Bloom Colors:
white, cream
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Fragrant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from the root crown after fire. Common in Mediterranean fire-prone ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in rocky, well-drained areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow and do not cover; maintain consistent moisture.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI