236B-3-Epacris-impressa-pink-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Epacris impressa

Common Heath

Erect to spreading wiry shrub with woolly hairs on branchlets.

Additional information

  • FamilyEricaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.5-1.5 m x 0.2-0.6 m
  • Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
  • LeavesTapering, narrow lance-shaped leaves 4-15 mm x 0.8-3 mm, ending in a small sharp point.
  • Flower colourwhite, pink or red
  • Flowering timeMarch to November
  • FlowersMasses of narrow tubular flowers, petals at least twice as long as calyx, indentation at base of each petal. Flowering times vary depending on area.
  • Bird attractingNectar
  • Butterfly attractingBoth food for caterpillars and nectar for butterflies.
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist well drained loamy, sandy or rocky soils in heathland, woodland and forests. Frost and snow tolerant. Dappled and semi shade.
  • Garden useVictoria'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.
  • Commercially availableGenerally
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions

Photo Gallery

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1 Epacris impressa

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2 Epacris impressa

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3 Epacris impressa

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4 Epacris impressa

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5 Epacris impressa

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Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Robyn Dobson ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 16 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest Central Highlands/UpperYarra (EVC 45)
  • 25 Long-leaf Box Grassy Dry Forest - Southern Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 46 Silvertop Ash Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 27 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 22)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 31 Candlebark Grassy Forest (EVC 128)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 20 Messmate Lowland Forest (EVC 16)
  • 32 Silvertop Ash Shrubby Foothill Forest (EVC 45)
  • 03 Narrow-leaf Peppermint Montane damp Forest (EVC 38)
  • 36 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket – Central Highlands (EVC 59)
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