Great Willowherb is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in water margins, damp ground and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 200cm.
Great Willowherb, as the name suggests, is larger than other willowherbs. In common with other willowherbs, it has elongated leaves with a finely-serrated edge, and similar shape, to those of willow species. Its purple, magenta or white, notch-petalled flowers are borne on individual stalks in clusters at the end of its branched stems. These stalks later give way to seed pods, which split open to send out feathery seeds on the wind.
Botanic classification and naming: Great Willowherb is a member of the Evening Primrose (Onagraceae) family. The genus name
'Epilobium' identifies the plant as a Willowherb and its species name 'hirsutum' means 'hairy plant'.
Benefits: Pollinated by bees and hoverflies.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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