Norway, also known as the most peaceful country of the world, accepted the ‘Calluna valgaris’, which is popularly known as Heather, as the national flower of the country in the year 1976. The plant is very attractive with decorative leaves and showy flowers which appear in the shades of pink, red, white, and purple and it blossoms primarily in late summer.

The plant has proved to be of immense importance and use in the daily life of the people of Norway. The generic name of the plant Calluna is derived from a Greek word which means “to sweep”. The name is quite appropriate since the branches of the plant are used to make broom. The dried leaves are used as a flavouring agent for beer and tea. The bark of the plant is processed to make leather. The huge amount of nectar that the flower produces is used for making honey. The dried branches and leaves also provide beddings and temporary roofing of the houses.

Grown on the inferior, acidic and mostly sandy soils of the heaths, the flower is available all over the country. Some of the species of heather are found to ornate the rock gardens and are also used for landscaping.