for Willowherb

For me there is a very close association between the end of the flowering period  of Rosebay Willowherb and the end of the beekeeping season.

Willowherb has the nickname "fireweed" because of its vigorous growth on areas of disturbed ground where there has been a fire. This was particularly so during and after  World War II when there were many bomb sites providing such conditions.

Here you see it growing on the margin of a field and it is thriving.

The flowers are a valuable source of a very light coloured nectar and it is said by beekeepers that the honey produced can be "water white" in colour.

It is a satisfying plant to try and propogate because all one has to do is shake the seed heads and let the wind do the rest!