Photographs: Mallow, Co. Cork

Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum Saileachán mór Family: Onagraceae Flowering time: June-September. Perennial. Native. Deep purple-pink flowers (2cm diameter) with a 4-lobed stigma and notched petals. Stalkless leaves are lanceolate and mostly opposite on stout erect stems. The whole plant is downy-hairy. Height 80-150cm. Frequent throughout most of Ireland on damp waste ground, river banks and roadsides and in ditches. Occasionally found on drier ground. Similar: Hoary Willowherb, Epilobium parviflorum is only 20-80cm tall with smaller flowers.

Great Willowherb, Epilobium hirsutum, Saileachán mór