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Flowers
Willowherb
(Epilobium)
Summary
| Order | Family | Genus |
|---|---|---|
|
(Myrtales) |
Willowherb Family
(Onagraceae) |
Willowherbs
(Chamaenerion) |
Overview
Willowherb or Fireweed is very common and easy to spot when in bloom as it usually stands tall over surrounding plants that grow in the same habitat and grows in a cluster with pink/purple flowers at the top of each stem. It can also been seen with cotton like clumps around the top, either within the flowers or the die back.
This is a good firestarting matterial as the dried stems and the cotton like seeds easily catch a spark take from an ember. Its widley distributed and easy to harvest.
Click below for more information of individual species at Plants For A Future website (PFAF.org)
Gallery and Identification
Flowers - Pink/purple 2-3cm across. Grow at the top of each stem. July-September. Stem - Red, striaght. Leaves grow from it from about a third the way up and flowers at the top. Leaves - Grow spirally around the stem. Laneolate. Seeds - Cottony, distributed by the wind. Often seen gathered with the flowers or the dying stem. Height - Up to 1.5m Fruit - Pink/Purple pods containing the seeds. Distribution - Found all over the British isles
Resources
- Fire starting; nest matterial.
- Reported medical uses.
Skills
- Friction fire
Food
- Tea