Epilobium tetragonum
L.
Square-stalked Willowherb
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Summary
Source: WikipediaEpilobium tetragonum, commonly known as the square stalked willow herb, is a species of flowering plant in the willowherb family Onagraceae. The erect perennial herb typically grows to a height of 0.1 to 1.3 metres (0.3 to 4.3 ft) and can have several stems. It blooms between January and November and produces pink-purple flowers. The species has become naturalised in the Perth and Peel regions of Western Australia.
Description
A herb. It is erect and has several stems. It grows 0.1-1.3 m high. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are in a ring near the base. The flowers are pink, purple or red.
Edible Uses
The leaves are cooked and used as a vegetable.
Medicinal Uses
None known
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in peaty sands and swamps.
Where It Grows
Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Central Asia, China, Eswatini, Europe, France, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Luxembourg, Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Tajikistan,
Cultivation
Succeeds in most soils, preferring a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position.
Propagation
Sow seed directly in situ in early spring, or as soon as it ripens. Division can be done in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted straight into permanent positions, but smaller clumps are better potted up and grown on in a cold frame until well rooted, then planted out in spring.
Other Uses
None known
Notes
There are about 165 Epilobium species. They are mostly temperate.
Synonyms
References (7)
- Flora of Pakistan. www.eFloras.org
- Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Cousens, R.D., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G., 1997, Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. Plant Protection Society of Western Australia. p 186
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 291
- Irving, M., 2009, The Forager Handbook, A Guide to the Edible Plants of Britain. Ebury Press p 305
- Paczkowska, G . & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Calatogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 414
Show all 7 references Hide references
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- Swaziland's Flora Database http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora
