Epacris paludosa

Swamp or Alpine Heath

Bushy erect shrub with shortly hairy branchlets.

FamilyEricaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size1-2 m x 0.6-1.5 m
Plant groupingShrubs to 2m
LeavesCrowded, lance-shaped to elliptic, erect to spreading leaves 5-13 mm x 1.5-3 mm, 1-3-veined below, tip tapering to sharp point.
Flower colourWhite
Flowering timeJuly to January
FlowersSmall bell-shaped flowers crowded in terminal clusters or in axils at top of branchlets. Floral tube equal to or just longer than calyx.
Bird attractingNectar
Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist to briefly waterlogged soil in mountain heaths and stream margins and subalpine bogs. Frost and snow tolerant. Partial to dappled shade.
Garden useSheltered positions within gardens. Attractive in flower, suitable for small gardens, cottage gardens and containers. Responds well to pruning to prevent legginess.
Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.