Common Name: Codlins And Cream

General Information

Epilobium hirsutum is a robust, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a thick, rhizomatous rootstock. It forms a large clump of erect, branched stems that are woody near the base; it can grow up to 200cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

One report says that the plant might be poisonous[]. Another says that it causes epileptiform convulsions[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Temperate Eurasia from western Europe to eastern Siberia, China, Japan and Korea; Africa from the Mediterranean to S. Africa

Habitat

Stream banks, marshes, drier parts of fens etc; at elevations up to 360 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Bees, Hoverflies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils[]. Prefers a well-drained but moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[] or in partial shade[].
A vigorous and invasive plant, only really suitable for larger areas in the wild garden where this habit is not a nuisance[].
The stems and leaves are covered with a soft down that emits the smell of the Moss Rose and Eglantine. The plants have the refreshing scent of ripe apples[].

Edible Uses

Edible leaves[]. No more details are given in the report but caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
The leaves are used to make a tea[]. This is often drunk in Russia, where it is called 'kaporie tea'[]. The leaves are also sometimes sucked for their salty taste[].

Medicinal

The leaves have been used as astringents, but there are some reports of violent poisoning with epileptic-like convulsions as a result of its use[].

The plant (part not specified) is used in Swaziland to treat warts, benign prostrate hyperplasia, and for bathing sick babies[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The flowers are a good late source of nectar for bees[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in situ or as soon as the seed is ripe.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.