Great willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum)

Where?

Epilobium hirsutum grows scattered in shrubberies along streams, ditches, springs and in the fringe of willow scrub. It loves loamy, somewhat calcareous soils.

Appearance?

Is a perennial herbaceous plant with growth heights of 50 to 180 cm. The erect, richly branched stem is densely hairy with protruding hairs. The lower leaves are almost cross-opposite, the rest alternate. The leaf blades are narrow-lanceolate with a length of 6 to 12 cm and a width of 1 to 4 centimeters. The leaf margins have strong denticles. The flowering period is between July and September. Its purple petals are radially symmetrical and have a length and diameter up to 2 cm.

Special Features?

Occasionally,the Great willowherb is cultivated as an ornamental plant, so in Australia and America it is considered a widespread neophyte.