Start the week with a wildflower No 28. Great Willowherb Epilobium hirsutum, Rosebay Willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium.

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 The wafts of fluffy Willowherb seeds blowing along our verges signal a drift towards Autumn.  Great Willowherb (photos 1 and 2), my favourite of the many Willowherb species has been providing a lovely splash of pink in Frank’s Wood.  The old name Codlins-and-cream refers to the rosy pink of an apple with a hint of cream below.  It isn’t useful as an edible though or used much in herbal medicine. In contrast, the Rosebay Willowherb (photo 3 and 4) is a forager’s favourite. Foraging tips Its new leaves and flowers can be added to salads, young stems steamed with butter like asparagus, and the pith eaten for a carbohydrate boost, or added to soups or stews as a thickener. Taking the pith Packed with Vitamin A it has many times more Vitamin C than an orange. Koporsky tea (nicknamed Ivan tea in Europe), made from fermented Rosebay willowherb leaves was, until the 18th century Russia's second largest export to Europe. Rosebay was also widely used in herbal medicine for skin complaints, whooping cough in, asthma and stomach disorders.

The pink spikes of Rosebay Willow flowers are so familiar on our verges, it is hard to register that prior to the 20th century it was considered a rare plant. The conditions alongside the expanding rail network seem to have allowed it to take hold and thrive. In America it known as Fireweed as it readily colonises burnt ground. The common name Bombweed alludes to its takeover of derelict bomb sites during World War 11 providing a welcome splash of colour.

It is easy to miss the less conspicuous willowherbs. Broad-leaved Willowherb, Epilobium montanum  is growing in the alley connecting Vicarage Lane with Tutton Hill. Feel free to correct me though as there are numerous Willowherbs Species guide and lots of hybrids  but this, and Fringed willowherb are the most likely species to find on our pavements. The flowers are small but really pretty (photo 5) 

Wikipedia lists the many moth species which depend on willowherbs as food plants for their life cycle. Allow them in your garden for the spectacle of visiting hawkmoths.