Tags
Bombweed, British flora, British wildflowers, Chamerion angustifolium, Fireweed, Rosebay willowherb
It takes a while to learn the differences between the different willowherbs (and the ease with which they hybridise doesn’t help!) but this, the Rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), is probably the one most people know best. It was a garden escapee originally, first recorded growing in the wild in 1769, and was considered quite scarce until World War I, when the plant took advantage of woodland areas where timber had been felled (and the area burned) to assist the war effort. Rosebay willowherb’s liking for areas that have been burned is the reason for its common name of Fireweed and is why, during World War II, it thrived in London’s bomb craters, thus earning the plant its other common name of Bombweed. Some people curse it for its invasive tendencies but, for me, there is no prettier sight that a stand of Rosebay willowherb glowing in the bright summer sunshine.
theresagreen said:
A glorious sight, seems to be having a bumper year this year – I saw lots of it along railway lines. The tea sounds interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
It’s certainly doing well down this way, Theresa. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sally said:
This looks exactly like the fireweed growing around our woods in Alberta. But a different species (Epilobium spp). Bombweed? I wonder how many people still recall the origin of that name. With the many wars raging in our world, I wonder if other flowers are springing up in a similar way …
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
It’s certainly not something I would’ve known unless I’d read about it. I like the idea of Nature tending to the scars made by humans.
LikeLike
Sally said:
” … tending to the scars …” — a lovely description and a reminder than Nature really can replenish itself if given a chance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
🙂
LikeLike
clarission said:
Its such a beautiful sight! One weed I don’t mind leaving to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
The insects will love you for it. These flowers were abuzz with bees. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pete Hillman said:
I always love to see Rosebay Willowherb. It is such a beautiful plant. Wonderful images, Annie!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
Thanks so much, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ilze said:
I’ve just returned home with a basket full of Fireweed! I’m gonna to make a tea for winter. It’s local. Not like green tea or black tea for us! Are familiar with the fireweed tea?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
Oooo, how fascinating! Not something I’ve heard of so please do tell more. 🙂
LikeLike
Ilze said:
I’ll go through all the process and make a blog post about it :). My first time making it by myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
Excellent. 🙂
LikeLike
Ilze said:
Here is about Fireweed: http://latvianmom.com/2017/07/16/wild-willowherb-fireweed-or-ivan-chai/ and I’m still in process…
LikeLiked by 1 person
sconzani said:
Thanks for sharing the link. 🙂
LikeLike