Epilobium tetragonum L.
Southern Willow-Herb
Square-stalked willowherb is a native perennial of the southern half of Britain, named for its distinctly four-angled, ridged stems. Upright and slender, growing to around 60-80cm, it carries narrow, finely toothed leaves that are stalkless and closely set along the stem.
About
Square-stalked willowherb is a native perennial of the southern half of Britain, named for its distinctly four-angled, ridged stems. Upright and slender, growing to around 60-80cm, it carries narrow, finely toothed leaves that are stalkless and closely set along the stem. From July into September it bears small pink flowers with four notched petals, followed by the long, narrow seed capsules typical of the willowherbs, which split to release wind-borne, plumed seeds.
It favours damp, open ground in sun or light shade, growing along streamsides, ditches, woodland margins and grassland, as well as cultivated and waste places on both moist and drier soils. Most frequent across England and Wales, it becomes scarce further north and west. The flowers provide modest nectar for small bees and hoverflies. As a quietly spreading native colonist it is better suited to informal, naturalistic and wildlife settings than to formal planting.
Also known as
Square-Stemmed Willow-Herb · Square-stalked Willowherb · square-stemmed willowherb
Synonyms
Chamaenerion tetragonum · Epilobium adnatoparviflorum · Epilobium adnatum · Epilobium adnatum rodriguezii · Epilobium adnatum stenophyllum · Epilobium decurrens · Epilobium dregeanum · Epilobium dubium
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.