1. a plant that thrives in acidic soil and avoids or cannot tolerate calcium-rich or alkaline soil
Usage: botany; ecology

1. of or relating to plants that avoid or cannot tolerate calcium-rich or alkaline soil; thriving in acidic conditions
Usage: botany; ecology

Examples

• Blueberries are calcifuge plants that require acidic soil to grow well.
• Rhododendrons are calcifuge shrubs commonly found in heathland and moorland.
• The calcifuge nature of heathers makes them unsuitable for chalky gardens.
• Many calcifuge species are native to regions with naturally acidic soils.
• Gardeners with alkaline soil often struggle to grow calcifuge plants without soil amendment.
• Azaleas are popular calcifuge ornamentals in temperate climates.