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Willowherb ~ Epilobium hirsutum ~ By Jackie
Willowherb ~ Epilobium hirsutum is a native perennial plant belonging to the willowherb genus and is commonly known as the great willowherb.
The large flowers have four notched petals. These purple-pink flowers are 10-16 mm long. The stigma is white and has four lobes.
Epilobium species are used as food plants by the caterpillars of certain lepidoptera species.
Although a pretty flower, many of the small willowherb species are nuisance weeds in the garden.
This particular plant was found growing in my own garden.
Next time that you see this weed growing in your garden, take a closer look before tossing it onto the compost heap.