Heather. Pskov Region

Heather (Calluna) is a genus of plants in the heather family. The only species is common heather (Calluna vulgaris). It is an evergreen, highly branched shrub about 30–50 cm tall with thin surface roots. Heather is easily recognized by its pinkish-purple flowers, which are gathered in one-sided racemose inflorescences at the ends of the shoots.

Heather is widespread in the forest zone of Eurasia, in northwestern Africa, and in the eastern regions of North America; in Russia, it is found in the European part and in Western Siberia. In the second half of summer, in the pine forests and raised bogs of the Pskov region, one can encounter shrubs covered with delicate light pink flowers, resembling tiny bells in shape. This is the abundant bloom of heather, a wonderful honey plant and a hero of Scandinavian mythology.

For the Celts, it symbolized courage, strength of spirit, and independence, while the flowers of heather represent healing and purification.

According to legend, modest heather was the only plant willing to grow even on the bare, wind-swept slopes of hills. For this, God made it incredibly resilient, endowed it with fragrance and qualities as a honey plant. It was believed that in ancient times, incredibly tasty and miraculous drinks were made from heather.