Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Chickweed Willowherb

Epilobium alsinifolium

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.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

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:
25 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Meadows, mountains, riversides, waterside, wetland.

Flower:
Pink, 4 petals
 
Chickweed Willowherb produces delicate, pale pink to lilac flowers that bloom mainly in mid to late summer. Each flower has four petals, often notched or slightly rounded, arranged in loose clusters. Their soft pastel colour adds a subtle charm to rocky or alpine habitats where the plant typically grows.
Fruit:
The fruit is a slender, cylindrical capsule that ripens in late summer to autumn. When mature, the capsule splits open lengthwise to release numerous tiny seeds equipped with silky hairs, allowing them to disperse widely on the wind.
Leaves:
This willowherb has small, oval to lance-shaped leaves with a smooth texture. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems and are often slightly hairy, giving a soft appearance. They are adapted to the cooler, harsher environments where the plant thrives.
Fragrance:
The flowers of Chickweed Willowherb have a very mild, sweet fragrance, subtle enough to be noticed only when in close proximity. This gentle scent helps attract pollinators in the cooler mountain climates it inhabits.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Epilobium alsinifolium is a species of willowherb known by the common name chickweed willowherb. This small flowering plant can be found in European arctic and alpine areas. It is a perennial herb, spreading by stolons and occurring in or by mountain springs or streams, or on irrigated mountain meadows. It has small white flowers with four petals and long, thin, pointed leaves. The native range of this species is Greenland to Europe. It is a perennial and grows primarily in the temperate biome. It can be identified by the slightly dentated leaf margins.

Blog

Chickweed Willowherb, scientifically known as Epilobium alsinifolium, is a flowering plant native to the Northern Hemisphere. This species is known for its small, white flowers and its ability to grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and disturbed areas.

Epilobium alsinifolium is a member of the Onagraceae family, which includes other popular plants such as evening primrose and fuchsia. The plant has a distinctive, low-growing habit, with leaves that are lance-shaped and often arranged in a basal rosette. It produces clusters of small, white flowers from June to September, which are a popular source of nectar for insects, such as bees and butterflies.

In addition to its ornamental value, Chickweed Willowherb has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has been used as a remedy for a variety of ailments, including skin irritations, respiratory problems, and digestive issues. Some people have also used it as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps and to regulate menstrual cycles.

However, it is important to note that Chickweed Willowherb should be used with caution. Some people may experience allergic reactions when using it, and it can also interfere with certain medications, such as blood thinners. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before using any new natural remedies.

Chickweed Willowherb is a hardy and easy-to-grow plant that is well suited to a variety of garden settings. It can be propagated by seed or by dividing the roots, and it is often used as a groundcover or in wildflower gardens. It is also a popular choice for naturalized areas, as it is able to colonize disturbed sites and help to stabilize soil.

Chickweed Willowherb is a versatile and attractive plant that offers a range of benefits, both ornamental and medicinal. Whether you are looking to add a new element to your garden, or searching for a natural remedy, this plant is definitely worth considering.

Another interesting aspect of Chickweed Willowherb is its ability to thrive in a variety of soil types, from sand to clay. It is also able to tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal choice for a wide variety of garden spaces.

In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, Chickweed Willowherb is also important to wildlife. The plant provides food and habitat for a range of species, including insects, birds, and small mammals. The nectar produced by its flowers is an important source of nutrition for pollinators, and the leaves and stems provide shelter for insects and other small creatures.

For gardeners, Chickweed Willowherb is an easy plant to care for. It requires very little maintenance, and is able to tolerate a range of growing conditions. Once established, it can be left to grow on its own, or it can be trimmed back to maintain its shape. The plant can be propagated by seed or by dividing the roots, making it easy to share with friends or expand your garden.

Overall, Chickweed Willowherb is a plant with many benefits, both practical and aesthetic. Its versatility and ease of care make it an ideal choice for a wide range of garden settings, and its ornamental value and medicinal uses make it a plant worth considering for anyone looking to add a new element to their garden or explore natural remedies. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Chickweed Willowherb is sure to be a valuable addition to your garden.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map