Great Willowherb

Scientific Name: 
Epilobium hirsutum

Great Willowherb is a large herb that flourishes in damp ground, such as wet grasslands, ditches, riversides and woodland clearings. Its fluffy seeds are dispersed by the wind. Pink flowers appear on the top of hairy stems from July to August.

How to identify: 
Great Willowherb is a tall plant covered in soft, downy hair. The small purple-pink flowers have creamy centres and the lance-shaped leaves sit opposite each other on the stems.
Where to find it: 
Common throughout the UK, but less so in Scotland.
How people can help: 

Human activity, including the drainage of land for agriculture and development, has resulted in the disappearance of many of the UK's wetlands. The Wildlife Trusts are working closely with planners, developers and farmers to ensure our wetlands are protected and managed for the benefit of the plants and animals they hold, including Great Willowherb. We have a vision of a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.

Statistics: 
Height: up to 2m
Conservation status: 
Common.
Did you know?: 
Great Willowherb is also sometimes known as 'Codlins-and-cream'. Codlins are actually cooking apples so this name may well have arisen from the rosy pink flowers with their creamy centres. Other names, such as 'Apple-pie' and 'Cherry-pie', seem to follow the same idea.
Seasons: 
Spring
Summer
Autumn
When to see
Start date: 
July
End date: 
August
Image: 
Great willowherb - Neil Wyatt