"Bob Hobden" wrote in message
...
"Chris Hogg" wrote ...

Terry Pinnell wrote:

Could someone identify this plant for me please?

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/4019461/WhatPlant.JPG

It was abundant on the railway cuttings and banks of the West Coast
London-Scotland line when we traveled last summer.

Rosebay Willowherb, Epilobum angustifolium, see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epilobium_angustifolium or
http://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/orga...eed.php?id=116,
sometimes known as Fireweed because of its habit (allegedly) of
growing profusely on areas recently scorched by fire. Bees love it.


And if you let it seed you will regret it and so will your neighbours!
IME.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK


It's the food plant of the elephant hawk moth. Since my neighbour got rid
of all his rosebay willow herb a couple of years ago, haven't seen any.
When my cat was a bit younger, he sometimes used to bring the caterpillars
home still wriggling and often unharmed. They are so big I think he must
have thought they were some sort of naked baby mouse or something.

Tina