A very well-known plant. Growing up to 150cm tall sometimes, very often in damp meadows.
Its Latin name (Epilobium) means "On"(Epi) a "Pod"(Lobos), as its flowers are formed at the end of a long, elongated seed-pod, which looks like extensions of its stem.
In Ireland its known as "Blooming Sally" (from its specific name "Sallix"), and in America it is commonly referred to as "Fireweed", as it springs up very quickly from fire-cleared fields.
The Rose Bay Willow Herb is a medicinal marvel, although you'd probably not know it.
Its leaves in particular can be used to treat mouth ulcers, chronic diaorrhea, and even bleeding of the uterus.
I took this photo on our walk up the Thames where the Willow Herbs are growing in abundance, and yes, thats a coot in the background...!
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
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