American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum, #584)

Broad-leaved Willowherb (Epilobium montanum) is one of the commonest weeds all over the garden, but yesterday I noticed this willowherb growing up in one of my plant pots. With slender-leaves, its more cross-shaped petals and less cross-shaped pistil, it is an American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum). As the name suggests this plant is native to North and South America, and introduced to Europe. It was first recorded in UK in 1891 and is now found all over the country. It’s a pretty common plant, though the broad-leafed version is much more prolific in my garden.