Ericaceae

Trees, shrubs, woody vines and non-woody (herbaceous) plants that often grow in nutrient-poor poorly-drained acid soils, almost always relying on soil fungi (mycorrhizae) for their survival; includes many of the shrubs typically found in bogs or as showy garden ornamentals (e.g., Rhododendrons), as well as several food plants (e.g. Blueberries), several non-woody species that lack chlorophyll (e.g., Ghost Pipe) and a number of others.

Flowers may be single or arranged in various types of clusters, are highly variable but are usually symmetrical in all directions (radially symmetrical), and are often drooping. The 4 or 5 petals are usually fused and form structures resembling urns, bells or bowls. There are lots of exceptions to these generalized traits, e.g., Rhododendrons are strongly bilaterally symmetrical, Pyrolas have separate petals, etc. Sepals 4 or 5, separate to slightly fused. Stamens 8 to 10, often more numerous than the petal lobes. Carpels 2 to 10, ovary and style 1. Ovary may be above (superior) or below (inferior) the point of attachment of the other flower parts. Nectar-producing tissue is found around the ovary. Fruit a dry capsule, fleshy berry, or stone (drupe).

Leaves simple, often leathery and evergreen, usually alternate and spiral, but sometimes opposite or whorled. Leaves scale-like in species that lack chlorophyll. Leaf edges are smooth to saw-toothed or sometimes rolled under. Leaves may be partially or fully expanded at the time of flowering. Stipules lacking.