Bell Heather (Erica cinerea)

Bell heather is one of the three species of heather found on the Common, the others being Ling and Cross-leaved Heath.  The plant is a dwarf, evergreen shrub with dark, bronzy green leaves in whorls of three.  The flowers, which bloom from July to September, are small, bright, magenta purple bells, held in compact clusters.  It is found on coastal and lowland heaths, moors and open woodland, usually on rather dry, acid soils.