Description: This tall and fairly robust species of willowherb is an accidental introduction from North America. It was first noticed in Ireland in 1971 from an island in Lough Neagh, but botanists overlooked its presence for many years and so failed to monitor its progress across the country. By the 1990s it was being noted as a common plant of weedy places, streamsides, garden nurseries, disused railways etc.

Hybrids with other willowherbs such as marsh willowherb (Epilobium palustre), New Zealand willowherb (E. brunnescens) and broad-leaved willowherb (E. montanum) have been reported at various places on occasions.

All names: Epilobium ciliatum Rafin.; Epilobium adenocaulon Hausskn.

Distribution Map from NBN: Epilobium ciliatum at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Epilobium ciliatum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.