| Common Name: | Common Heath |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Epacridaceae |
| Size: | 0.5-1.5m x 0.2-0.6m |
| Description: | Erect to spreading wiry shrub with woolly hairs on branchlets. |
| Leaves: | Tapering, narrow lance-shaped leaves 4-15mm x 0.8-3mm, ending in a small sharp point. |
| Flowering: | Masses of narrow tubular flowers, petals at least twice as long as calyx, indentation at base of each petal. Flowering times vary depending on area. |
| Flower Colour: | white, pink or red |
| Flowering Time: | March to November |
| Growing Conditions: | Moist well drained loamy, sandy or rocky soils in heathland, woodland and forests. Frost and snow tolerant. Dappled and semi shade. |
| Garden Use: | Victoria's floral emblem. Looks good planted in drifts. Many color forms available, flowering at different times. Small gardens, containers, rockeries. Summer moisture essential. Prune hard after flowering to maintain longevity and increase bushiness. |
| Related Species: | |
| Plant Communities: | 3, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 36, 46 |
| Conservation Status: | Locally common within its preferred growing conditions |
| Aboriginal Use: | |
| Commercially available: | Generally |
| Bird Attracting: | Nectar |
| Butterfly Attracting: | Both food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies. |
| Frog Habitat: | No |
| Photographer: | 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Gray ©; 2 Robyn Dobson © |