Epilobium hirsutum

'Great Willowherb'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Onagraceae: downy perennial to 2m. favours damp habitats such as fens and river banks. The flowers are 25mm across, pinkish purple with pale centres, and a 4-lobed stigma, in terminal clusters, blooming from July-August. Seed pods contain cottony seeds. The leaves are oval, hairy and clasping. Fairly common in Britain, apart from the far north. Native to Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to North East and South Africa, temperate Asia.

USES:

The leaves are used to make a tea, this is often drunk in Russia, where it is called 'kaporie tea'. Edible leaves.

The leaves have been used as astringents.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Surface sow early spring in situ or in pots. An easily grown plant, it prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position.

Attracts bees and butterflies.

HARVESTED: 2020

 

APPROX. 200+ SEEDS