The Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum) is a native perennial herbaceous plant found abundantly across the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Onagraceae family, it is commonly encountered in various habitats, including damp woodlands, riverbanks, marshes, and roadside verges.

Great Willowherb thrives in nutrient-rich soils, often favouring moist or wet environments. It is particularly adept at extracting essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from its surroundings, contributing to its vigorous growth and prolific flowering.

Its preferred habitats offer some protection from predators, although it may occasionally face grazing by herbivores such as deer and rabbits. However, its bitter-tasting leaves and hairy texture often deter most browsing animals.

As a perennial plant, Great Willowherb can live for several years, forming dense stands and spreading via rhizomes to colonise suitable habitats. It reproduces both sexually, through the production of flowers and seeds, and asexually, through vegetative propagation.

Culturally, Great Willowherb does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, its pink to purple flowers are valued for their aesthetic appeal and often feature in wildflower meadows and naturalistic garden plantings.

An interesting fact about Great Willowherb is its ecological importance as a food source for various insects, including butterflies, moths, and bees, which visit its flowers for nectar and pollen. Additionally, its seeds are favoured by birds such as finches and sparrows, contributing to its role in supporting wildlife diversity in British ecosystems.