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Pale Willowherb

Epilobium roseum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Myrtales
Family:
Onagraceae (Willowherb)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
90 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Gardens, hedgerows, riversides, wasteland, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Pink, 4 petals
 
White flowers, later turning pale pink, streaked. Flowers each measure anything up to 1cm in diameter. The stigmas are club-shaped.
Fruit:
The fruit is a long, narrow pod, between 3 and 7cm in length. Dark brown seeds.
Leaves:
An erect, hairy perennial plant with broadly lance-shaped leaves. The leaves are similar to Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum) but are stalked (up to 2cm long). The leaves are also toothed. They taper towards their bases. Most of the leaves appear together in opposite pairs. The leaves are almost totally hairless.
Other Names:
Small-flowered Willowherb.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Epilobium roseum is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Onagraceae. It is native to Europe, Black Sea, Siberia, and China (northwest). It is an erect perennial herb, with fleshy elongated turions that leave leathery, obovate scales. The flowers are arranged in racemes and are pink to purple in color. The fruits are capsules containing four seeds. It is commonly known as Pale Willowherb.

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Pale Willowherb (Epilobium roseum) is a species of flowering plant that is native to North America and can be found growing in damp meadows and wet areas. This plant is a member of the Onagraceae family, which is commonly known for its showy flowers and leaves that are often used for medicinal purposes.

The pale willowherb is a tall, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 3 feet in height. It has a thin stem that is topped with delicate, pinkish-red flowers that bloom from June to August. The flowers have a unique structure that makes them ideal for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The petals are arranged in a spiral formation, creating a small cup that holds the reproductive parts of the flower.

The leaves of the pale willowherb are lance-shaped and grow in an opposite arrangement along the stem. They are a pale green color and are covered in fine hairs that give them a slightly velvety texture. The leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or cooked as a vegetable.

In addition to its ornamental value, the pale willowherb has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. The plant contains compounds that are known to have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and astringent properties. Native Americans used the plant to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, respiratory problems, and digestive issues.

Pale willowherb is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to grow and can be propagated by seed or by division. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate partial shade. It is a great choice for gardens and landscaping projects, particularly in wet or boggy areas.

The pale willowherb is a beautiful and versatile plant that is well worth considering for any garden. Its delicate flowers and useful medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to any landscape. Whether you are looking to add some color to your garden, or you are interested in exploring the world of herbal medicine, the pale willowherb is a great choice.

Pale Willowherb is also known for its ability to colonize disturbed areas and help to stabilize the soil. It is often found growing along streams and rivers, and is one of the first plants to establish itself after a flood. This makes it an important species for erosion control and the restoration of damaged ecosystems.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, the pale willowherb is also an important food source for many species of wildlife. The flowers provide nectar for pollinators, while the leaves and stems serve as a source of food for herbivores such as deer, elk, and rabbits.

Despite its many benefits, the pale willowherb is not well known or widely cultivated. This may be due in part to its delicate appearance, which can make it seem less hardy or durable than other species. However, this plant is surprisingly tough and can thrive in a wide range of conditions.

If you are interested in growing pale willowherb, it is a good idea to start with seeds or plants from a reputable source. This will ensure that you are getting a healthy, viable plant that will perform well in your garden. Once established, pale willowherb is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care and attention.

The pale willowherb is a versatile and valuable species that deserves more recognition and cultivation. Whether you are a gardener, a wildlife enthusiast, or someone who is interested in herbal medicine, this plant has much to offer.

The pale willowherb is also an important plant for ecological restoration and can play a role in the rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including poor soil quality, and can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This makes it an ideal choice for projects aimed at restoring damaged or degraded ecosystems.

In addition to its value as a soil stabilizer, the pale willowherb is also known for its ability to tolerate and even thrive in areas with high levels of heavy metal contamination. This makes it a valuable species for phytoremediation, a process that uses plants to remove harmful pollutants from the environment.

While the pale willowherb is not widely cultivated, it is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions. If you are interested in adding this species to your garden, it is a good idea to research its growing requirements and choose a site that is appropriate for its needs. The pale willowherb is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care or attention once it is established.

In conclusion, the pale willowherb is a valuable and versatile plant that is well worth considering for any garden or landscaping project. Whether you are looking to add some color to your garden, or you are interested in exploring the world of ecological restoration, the pale willowherb is a great choice. With its delicate flowers, useful medicinal properties, and ability to help restore damaged ecosystems, this plant is sure to be a valuable addition to any landscape.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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