Great Willow-herb

Great Willow-herb, Epilobium hirsutum is a flowering plant belonging to the willowherb genus Epilobium in the family Onagraceae. It is commonly known as the great willowherb, great hairy willowherb or hairy willowherb. Local names include codlins-and-cream, apple-pie and cherry-pie. Erect and and softly-downy found along stream and riversides, pond edges, marshes and in this case near a ditch on the roadside to Newburgh North Fife. Sometimes it grows around my pond, this year not. Along with Rosebay Willow-herb it is the food plant for the Elephant Hawk moth, a most beautiful moth and one of my favourites.

Large Elephant Hawk Moth captured for the photograph and then released.