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Get the iPhone app Browse the guideGreat Hairy Willowherb
Epilobium hirsutum
Also called Codlins and Cream, Great Willowherb, Hairy Willowherb
This is a weed
It spreads fast on the wind and by creeping roots. It easily crowds out other plants.
How to get rid of it
- Cut off the fluffy seed heads before the wind blows them away.
- Dig out the plant with a spade to remove all roots.
- Pull any new green shoots as soon as they appear.
About Great Hairy Willowherb
This is a tall wild plant that loves damp spots. It spreads fast by fluffy windblown seeds and creeping roots. I usually see it taking over moist garden borders.
- Type
- Herbaceous perennial weed
- Height
- 100–180 cm
- Spread
- 60–120 cm
- Sun
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- High
- Soil
- Damp, rich soil
- Hardiness
- Hardy to -20 °C
- Flowers
- July to September
- Growth
- Spreads by creeping underground runners
- Toxicity
- Not known to be toxic
- Native to
- Eurasia and North Africa
How to recognise it
- Tall branching hairy stems
- Fluffy white seed plumes
- Long narrow seed pods that split open
- Toothed leaves along the stem
Reference photos
Compare what's in your garden with confirmed photos of Great Hairy Willowherb.
Photos from iNaturalist contributors.
Written by Garden Rescue from photo identifications, in US units. Local advice from your extension service or garden centre beats a general guide.