heath

heath tract of open land characterized by a few scattered trees, abundant moss cover, and numerous low shrubs, principally of the heath family (see heath , in botany). In high-latitude regions with minimal variation in climate, the undershrub vegetation may persist indefinitely on shallow, peaty soils rather than undergoing succession to the climax vegetation (see ecology ), e.g., temperate forests. Alpine azalea, bearberry, dwarf birch, and some insectivorous plants are among the additional flora found on north-temperate heaths.

heath Any of various woody evergreen shrubs of the genus Erica, found in Europe, Africa, and North America. They generally have bell-shaped blue or purple flowers. Family Ericaceae. The term also applies to land that supports heath.

heath / hē[unvoicedth]/ • n. 1. an area of open uncultivated land, esp. in Britain, with characteristic vegetation of heather, gorse, and coarse grasses. ∎  Ecol. vegetation dominated by dwarf shrubs of the heath family: [as adj.] heath vegetation. 2. a dwarf shrub with small leathery leaves and small pink or purple bell-shaped flowers, characteristic of heathland and moorland. • Erica and related genera, family Ericaceae (the heath family): many species, including the common European cross-leaved heath (E. tetralix). DERIVATIVES: heath·y adj.