Codlins And Cream
Epilobium hirsutum
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc, to 360 metres.
Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. E. and S. Africa, temperate Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The leaves are used to make a tea. This is often drunk in Russia, where it is called 'kaporie tea'. The leaves are also sometimes sucked for their salty taste. Edible leaves. No more details are given in the report but caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
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.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating: 2
Noted for attracting wildlife. Scented.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils. Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position or in partial shade. A vigorous and invasive plant, only really suitable for larger areas in the wild garden where this habit is not a nuisance. 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. A good late source of nectar for bees. 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 .
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
One report says that the plant might be poisonous. Another says that it causes epileptiform convulsions.