Glandular Willow-herb - introduced (*Epilobium ciliatum)

Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose family).

Native of North and South America.

Occurrence: It is a weed of damp places. It is a common nursery weed.

Identification:

• like other Willow-herbs, it has long, slender, stalk-like fruit, usually held erect; the petals are on the tips of the fruit
• the stems often have fine, curled hairs
• the flowers are pale pink to purplish-pink
• it may grow to a metre or more
• the seeds have short tufts of hairs, which aid in wind dispersal of the seeds.

Similar species: The native Variable Willow-herb (Epilobium billardierianum ssp. cinereum) usually grows in dryer places.