SLEEPING IT OFF

Hawkmoths rest after a night of feeding

“Codlings and cream” sound very nice for a summer’s day – and you can find it growing by the canal. The old country name for Great Willowherb may derive from the scent of the bruised leaves and top-shoots, said to resemble scalded codlings (unripe apples). Our largest native willowherb, growing up to 5ft tall, favors damp habitats and is often seen in large colonies along riverbanks and canal towpaths.

Also called “Hairy” Willowherb, the branched stem, leaves, flower stalks, and seed pods are all covered in hairs.

The stalkless leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem and are similar in shape (lanceolate) to those of Willow trees. The numerous purple-pink flowers are borne towards the top of the erect stem in July and August.