The Short-Fruited Willowherb (Epilobium brachycarpum) is a native perennial herbaceous plant species found throughout the United Kingdom. Belonging to the Onagraceae family, it is commonly encountered in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, hedgerows, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste grounds.

Short-Fruited Willowherb thrives in nutrient-rich soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. It is adaptable to both sunny and partially shaded environments, making it a versatile species in British landscapes.

Predators of the Short-Fruited Willowherb include herbivores such as deer and rabbits, which may graze on its foliage. However, its bitter-tasting leaves and hairy texture often deter extensive browsing.

As a perennial plant, Short-Fruited Willowherb can live for several years, forming dense patches through its creeping rhizomes. It reproduces both sexually, via the production of flowers and seeds, and vegetatively through its rhizomatous growth habit.

Culturally, Short-Fruited Willowherb does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, it plays a role in supporting biodiversity by providing habitat and food sources for various insects, including butterflies, bees, and moths.

An interesting fact about Short-Fruited Willowherb is its ability to colonise disturbed habitats rapidly, making it a pioneer species in ecological succession. Additionally, its seeds are equipped with tufts of hairs, aiding in wind dispersal over long distances, contributing to its widespread distribution across British landscapes.