18 July 2023 Willowherbs (2)

I knew about rosebay willowherb, but not that the other two - hairy willowherb and the tiny one, epilobium paviflorum - were willowherbs, until I was gazing idly at a patch of nettles, grass and willowherbs one day and thought 'hang on...' when looking at the tiny pink flowers. And then yesterday at the canal, a third kind, hairy willowherb, which is bigger than the small one, but smaller then the big one :) So many interesting things to discover when you take the time to really look. Pics show Rosebay Willowherb (Chamaenerion angustifolium), Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) and the tiniest is Hoary Willowherb (Epilobium parviflorum). Tea can be made from the leaves of rosebay willowherb, but the others may be poisonous if eaten, based on my internet research. It's fun to make these new connections now that I'm looking more carefully at the environment! (pics my own except Epilobium parviflorum (c) Urban Fringe)