Get started identifying the widespread willowherbs you’re most likely encounter in a new, simplified crib
Thank you all so much for continuing to read and download recent entries in this series of accessible plant cribs. They are evolving overtime and it is great to hear your feedback.
After tackling forget-me-nots, now seemed like a good time to produce another simplified crib on an equally appealling group of plants – our pesky willowherbs.
Members of the evening-primrose family, Onagraceae, willowherbs are familiar flowers of our urban spaces. While they occur in all habitats, they are particularly prominent in human-influenced landscapes where around eight species can commonly be encountered in pavements, waste areas and even gardens. The simplified key below covers those most likely to be encountered in the North East but please note, there are several rarer ones out there.
Key factors to focus on when identifying willowherbs include the shape of the stigma, hairiness and importantly, the type of hairs present, and stem/petiole features.
Identifying Willowherbs
Willowherbs are a rather diverse bunch. Here, we’ll aim to cover the species botanists are most likely to encounter while out and about locally; though the information shared should apply equally well elsewhere in the UK. This crib addresses the following species:
- Great Willowherb
- Hoary Willowherb
- Broad-leaved Willowherb
- Square-stalked Willowherb
- Short-fruited Willowherb
- Marsh Willowherb
- American Willowherb
- Pale Willowherb
Additionally, and more for curiosity than anything else, some information is also included on various willowherb hybrids found across the UK.
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