Rosebay willowherb | The Wildlife Trusts (2024)

FAQs

Should I remove willowherb? ›

Due to the fact that this plant spreads through its root system, any fragment of root or rhizome left behind could cause a new plant to grow. Alongside this, due to the highly invasive nature of these plants, they should not be disposed of off-site so would need to be destroyed on-site.

Rosebay willowherb is said to have more vitamin C than rosehips (which has up to 8 times more vitamin C than lemons), as well as contain magnesium and B vitamins and is supportive to the function of the heart and the immune system as well as being caffeine-free. So it's not just a men's tea!

It also has large pale-green lance-shaped leaves. This plant is deadly poisonous, containing the toxin digitalis, which can lead to serious gastrointestinal pain and heart failure if ingested.

Seeds have a plume of hairs and are wind dispersed. It has been estimated that 20 to 50% of seeds may be carried 100 m by the wind and some could potentially travel over 100 km. Rosebay willowherb also spreads by the horizontal roots on which adventitious buds develop.

🐶 Purpleleaf Willowherb is not toxic to dogs, but caution is advised. 🚨 Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling if your dog nibbles on plants. 🌿 Prevent plant snacking with training and physical barriers.

However, the leaves of Rosebay Willowherb are much thinner and the flowers of other Willowherbs and Purple Loosestrife lack the visible, skinny purple sepals through the spoon-shaped petals. Use in herbal medicine Has been used to treat inflammatory bowel disorders and constipation.

Willow herb is antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, emollient, laxative and a tonic. A tea made from the leaves and roots is a folk remedy for gastro-intestinal and bronchial complaints. In Germany and Austria the plant is used to treat prostate problems.

After pollination, seed pods develop that split revealing a white “fluff”, within which the seeds are carried on the wind. The young shoots can be steamed and eaten like asparagus, and the leaves can be added to salads. However, raw leaves can be bitter. The flowers can also be added to salads and are less bitter.

Soothing Effects: Due to its natural calming properties, Willowherb is often used in skincare products designed to alleviate redness, itchiness, and discomfort. It can be particularly useful for individuals with sensitive skin prone to reactions.

Chamaenerion angustifolium is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae. It is known in North America as fireweed and in the British Isles as rosebay willowherb. It is also known by the synonyms Chamerion angustifolium and Epilobium angustifolium.

What is the difference between Fireweed and willowherb? ›

Tall willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum), also known as panicled willowherb, is a close lookalike at first glance. But its leaves are shorter and more dense, and the long edges often seem to roll up toward the center, whereas fireweed's leaves tend to be flatter.

Small flowered willow herb is also a remedial herb for anyone suffering any kidney ailment, including cystitis, bladder problems or bed-wetting.

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.

Helps skin rebound from dullness

Often one of the first plants to bloom after forest fires, Willowherb is incredibly resilient and used in skincare to help skin rebound from dullness.

Its leaves and stems contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable plant for medicinal purposes. Traditional cultures in North America have used American Willowherb for the treatment of respiratory problems and skin irritations, among other conditions.

Willowherbs are native broadleaf plants but usually require a disturbance to establish. Although considered desirable members of natural habitats, they can be weedy in managed urban and agricultural sites.