Rosebay Willowherb

Latin Name:

Chamerion angustifolium

Manx Name:

Shellaghan frangagh


June - September

Locations where this species is found:
Archallagan, Chibbanagh, Conrhenny Plantation

Also known as Fireweed because of its ability to quickly colonize bare ground after forest fires. This tall plant is easy to spot, but is often mistaken for Great Willowherb. It can easily be distinguished by the lack of a 'cross shape' in its flowers, its long stamens and the unique shape of its leaves.

This plant was considered rare in the 18th century, but has spread rapidly, partly due to World War 2; Rosebay Willowherb often took root in bomb craters and earned the nickname "bombweed".

The Manx name for this flower is "Shellaghan frangagh", which means "French willowherb".
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