Rosebay Willowherb

Leaves

Long and lanceolate, green sometimes with a flush of red or a red leaf base.

The leaves of Rosebay Willowherb are unique in that the veins are circular and do not terminate at the leaf edges but form circular loops and join together. This can help with identification before the flowers appear.

Flowers

The flower has four purple/pink petals and some say it resembles a rose, hence the name.

The seed pod is long, thin and browny red, it contains hundreds of tiny, silky haired seeds that the wind can carry a long way.

Seeds

The tiny seeds are held within a light, fluffy down.

Seed Pods

Unopened seed pods are long and usually green to red.

Stem

Tall, straight, erect and red with a pithy core.

Habitat

Bare soil, open woodland, paths, roadsides, gardens, waste ground and particularly on previously burnt ground.

Possible Confusion

Loosestrife, pictured, can look similar but with the different flowers and the unique leaf vein pattern of Rosebay Willowherb it should be hard to confuse theses plants.

Smell

Floral.

Taste

Pleasant while the leaves are very young.

Frequency

Common.

Collecting

The very young shoots can be treated like asparagus and served with butter and lemon, the older leaves get very bitter.

Young leaves can be added to salads.

The soft inner part of the stem can be easily removed and used as a thickener for soups or stews.

The flowers can be used to brighten a salad.

Medicinal Uses

Has been used in the treatment of whooping cough, hiccoughing and asthma.

Other Facts

Fireweed, one of its common names refers to the fact that Rosebay Willowherb will grow on burnt ground as the seeds can settle deep in the soil and remain viable for many years.
A tiny bit of root left in the ground will grow into a plant after many years if the soil is disturbed.
The hairy seeds gathered together make a great tinder for sparks or friction fires.
The hairs have been used as a fine clothing fibre.