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Epilobium hirsutum - L.

Common Name Codlins And Cream
Family Onagraceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards One report says that the plant might be poisonous[179]. Another says that it causes epileptiform convulsions[240].
Habitats Stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc, to 360 metres[17].
Range Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. E. and S. Africa, temperate Asia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential Yes
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Epilobium hirsutum Codlins And Cream


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Epilobium hirsutum Codlins And Cream
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Epilobium hirsutum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hoverflies. The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves
Edible Uses: Tea

The leaves are used to make a tea[183]. This is often drunk in Russia, where it is called 'kaporie tea'[4]. The leaves are also sometimes sucked for their salty taste[183]. Edible leaves[177]. No more details are given in the report but caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Astringent

The leaves have been used as astringents, but there are some reports of violent poisoning with epileptic-like convulsions as a result of its use[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Noted for attracting wildlife. Scented.

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most soils[1]. Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[200] or in partial shade[187]. A vigorous and invasive plant, only really suitable for larger areas in the wild garden where this habit is not a nuisance[200]. The stems and leaves are covered with a soft down that emits the smell of the Moss Rose and Eglantine. The plants have the refreshing scent of ripe apples[245]. A good late source of nectar for bees[200]. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots [2-1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ or as soon as the seed is ripe. Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Russian Federation-Ciscaucasia (Ciscaucasia), Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russian Federation (Dagestan), Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China (Anhui Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Ningxia Huizi Zizhiqu (south), Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Korea, Japan (Honshu) TROPICAL ASIA: Nepal, Pakistan EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine (incl. Krym), Former Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece (incl. Crete), Italy (incl. Sardinia, Sicily), Romania, Spain (incl. Baleares), France (incl. Corsica), Portugal AFRICA: Spain (Canarias), Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, Sudan, Chad, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Angola, Zambia, Lesotho, South Africa (Cape Province, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Epilobium angustifoliumWillow HerbPerennial2.0 3-7 FLMHSNDM322
Epilobium coloratumPurpleleaf willowherbPerennial0.8 0-0  LMHSNM10 
Epilobium glabellum Perennial0.2 7-10  LMHSNM113
Epilobium latifoliumRiver BeautyPerennial0.4 4-8  LMHSNM321
Epilobium macranthum  0.0 -  LMHSNM11 
Epilobium palustreMarsh Willow HerbPerennial0.4 -  LMHSNM10 
Epilobium parviflorumCodlins And Cream, Smallflower hairy willowherbPerennial0.6 0-0  LMHNMWe20 
Epilobium pyrricholophum Perennial0.8 -  LMHSNM10 
Epilobium tetragonumSquare-Stemmed Willow HerbPerennial0.6 -  LMHSNM10 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17200

Links / References

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Subject : Epilobium hirsutum  
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