Chamaenerion angustifolium seed

Epilobium angustifolium
‘Rosebay Willowherb’
(Syn. Chamaenerion angustifolium)
Onagraceae: a showy perennial to 1.5m. Found on waste ground, cleared woodland, river banks and railway embankments, found on a wide range of soil types. The flowers are round 3mm across, with pinkish-purple petals, in tall spikes from July-September. The long thin pods contain cottony seeds. The leaves are lanceolate, arranged spirally up the stems. Widespread and fairly common throughout Britain. Native to Europe, including Britain, temperate Asia and North America.

USES:

The leaves and young shoot tips are said to be a wholesome Vegetable and are a good source of vitamins A and C. A tea is also made from the dried leaves.

Willow herb is often used as a domestic herbal remedy, though it is little used in conventional herbalism. The herb has antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, hypnotic, laxative and tonic properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

An easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. A very ornamental plant, it is the floral emblem of the Yukon. It is a food plant for the caterpillars of several lepidoptera species, it is also a good bee plant. Surface sow early spring in situ or in pots.

Chamaenerion angustifolium    Epilobium angustifolium