Broad-leaved willowherb Epilobium montanum
Table of Contents
Plant family: Onagraceae
Flowering period: May – August
Flower colour: Pink
Preferred soil type:
Habitat: Roadside verges, woodland, hedgerows, waste ground, cultivated land
Status: Common
General information
An erect, perennial wildflower that’s very common throughout the UK and found in woodland, roadside verges, hedgerows, waste ground and disturbed ground. Broad-leaved willowherb is more common than Great willowherb, with the flowers being somewhat smaller, the leaves toothed and not as tall, only reaching 70cm in height.
It tolerates shade and can be a troublesome weed in garden borders, but not as troublesome as other willowherbs, as the roots are shallower making it easier to remove.
Identification
Flowers: The pink – lilac flowers bloom between May to August, each flower has 4 notched petals, measuring between 8 – 12mm in diameter.
Leaves: Despite its name the leaves are quite narrow, they’re almost hair-less leaves, opposite and bourn on short stalks. They have rounded bases and are ovate – lanceolate shaped, measuring up to 8cm in length and 4cm wide.
Value for wildlife
Broad-leaved willowherb is the food plant of the larvae of various species of butterflies and moths.
Uses for broad-leaved willowherb
Most of the willowherbs are edible (but have a bitter taste) and most parts can be consumed but you need to catch them at the right time of the season.
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