This introduction from North America is a medium growing shrub with quite dense foliage. Where it finds the conditions to its liking it can spread quite invasively. It is a member of the Ericaceae which accounts for the "Heathery" look of the bell shaped flowers.

The distribution is peculiar in that the two greatest strongholds are on the south coast of England and in the north west of Scotland.

Rivington, Lancashire 6th June 2007

Added on 26th June 2007, updated 22nd Janaury 2009, updated 31st March 2010