Onagraceae
Fuschias! I was surprised to discover these cousins of our wild and blowy Willowherbs! When I was a child growing up in South West London, the whole neighbourhood gathered to marvel at the spectacle of our next door neighbour's Fuschia. We had been convinced that these "only grew in coastal Cornwall where it was warm" and even my Dad, an excellent gardener who grew show Chrysanthemums in his heated greenhouse, could not be persuaded.
Epsom & Ewell Flower Finder
Onagraceae: Willowherb Family
A family that includes the Evening Primrose. Our native Willowherbs are quick to colonise waste ground, even during the firebombing of London's East End during WWII. Regarded as pest plants now; but think of the welcome colour that they bought (along with Buddleja Davidii) to our ruined capital.
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Epilobium hirsutum
Great Willowherb, Hairy Willowherb, Cherry Pie
As the name suggests, stem and leaves hairy. Height up to 1.8 metres.
About
The plant's ability to spread via root "runners" and fluffy seedheads that can travel on the wind make this family a successful one!
I found this plant, one of twelve willowherb species in the UK, at Horton Country Park. A favourite food plant of the Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar. Snakeskin markings and "eye" spots" on this large creature confuse predators.
HOMEMore information
SURREY'S WILDFLOWERING PROJECT is a community-led initiative, aiming to build a partnership that enables wildflowering in the county as well as promoting and celebrating the boroughs/districts diverse environments. Do take the time to find out more about the project and if you can get involved, even in a small way, you will make a difference.
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