Heather, an evergreen plant commonly used for landscaping in public spaces, such as roads and gardens, boasts high ornamental value and even offers medicinal benefits through its roots and leaves.

However, its flowering season has caused many to dislike or even be repulsed by the plant, primarily due to the scent of heather flowers.

Many cities incorporate heather flowers into urban landscapes and green areas. However, the strong scent of heather flowers often leads to complaints. Nevertheless, the benefits of heather flowers far outweigh their downsides. This plant provides year-round beauty and can absorb toxic and harmful gases from the environment, aiding in dust reduction and environmental protection.

Don't underestimate heather due to its strange fragrance; it has numerous valuable qualities:

1. Green Protector:

Heather's resistance to cold and drought, along with its low soil requirements and strong adaptability, make it easy to cultivate.

Although humans may not appreciate heather's scent, its nectar attracts bees, butterflies, and other insects, promoting insect reproduction and ecological balance. Moreover, heather effectively purifies the air and reduces dust, absorbing emissions from vehicles and factories.

2. Ornamental Appeal:

Heather flower is highly ornamental, and its trimmable nature allows it to be grown as a shrub or cultivated as a tree, adapting to various environmental needs.

Additional Values of Heather:

Apart from the mentioned advantages, heather holds economic, food, and medicinal value:

1. Economic Value: Heather wood's toughness makes it suitable for use in wheels, crafts, and furniture. Additionally, heather flower seed oil can be used in paint, soap, or lubricating oil.

2. Food Value: Heather nectar can be transformed into honey and other food products.

3. Medicinal Value: Various parts of heather, including its flowers, leaves, and roots, possess medicinal properties, offering benefits such as heat detoxification, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, blood-cooling and bleeding-stopping capabilities, as well as pain relief and relief from phlegm and cough.

Though heather flowers may emit a somewhat pungent odor, it is not harmful to humans. There are several ways to mitigate its scent:

- For individuals sensitive to the smell of heather flowers, wearing a mask, leaving the area quickly, and minimizing the time spent near heather flowers can reduce the impact.

- The intensity of heather flower scent is related to the number of adult trees flowering. In urban greening, it is advisable to plant heather trees sparsely and mix them with aromatic plants like lilacs, roses, honeysuckle, or other suitable varieties depending on the region.

Reducing the proportion of heather planting in densely populated areas can also help reduce the concentration of heather flower odor.

- Regular pruning and shaping of heather hedges can prevent flowering.

- In urban greening, consider selecting or breeding heather plants with lighter scents.